2009 Duhart-Milon, Pauillac

“Talk about value, the 2009 Duhart-Milon is straight up sensational stuff. Made from 63% Cabernet Sauvignon and 37% Merlot, it gives up classic notes of blackcurrants, pencil shavings, saddle leather and smoked herbs, it’s full-bodied, deep and concentrated, with fine tannin, impeccable balance and a great, great finish. It’s a heavenly bottle of wine that will compete with the best out there. Buy this wine!” (07/2017)

“A blend of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon and 37% Merlot, it displays an inky/blue/purple color as well as a big, sweet nose of creme de cassis, forest floor, licorice, lead pencil, cedar and subtle barrique smells. Viscous and full-bodied, it is the most concentrated and broadest example of this cuvee I have tasted in over three decades. It will be ready to drink in 5-7 years and should last for three decades or more. Consumers looking to maximize value should be checking out Duhart Milon, as this may be the single smartest purchase in this great and historic vintage! (RP)” (02/2012)

“You can't go far wrong with this superb 2009. Has a kick in its step compared to many vintages of Duhart around this time, which tend to be a little more austere and buttoned up. This is infused by the generosity of the vintage, without going too far from its signature Pauillac reticence, delivering graphite, cedar, sandalwood, cassis, brambled blackberries and tons of cigar box and sage spice. Philippe Dhalluin director, under Rothschild ownership since 1962. Definitely in its drinking window, but going nowhere anytime soon.” (02/2025)

“This is superb, with so much beautiful subtle fruit and wonderful flowers. Full and very lively, with super fine tannins and a lively finish. Very exciting. Best ever from here.” (03/2012)

“The 2009 Duhart-Milon is recalcitrant on the nose, refusing to give much away in terms of aromas. Loamy, peaty scents emerge with time amongst the black fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with grippy tannin, fresh in the mouth with good salinity. There is something estuarine about this Pauillac that lends it personality and its grip on the finish suggesting that it will give many more years of drinking pleasure. This has long been an impressive Duhart-Milon and so it is proven here. (NM)” (03/2019)

“A rounded wine, its tannins submerged into the ripe fruits. It feels soft, and there is just a bite of alcohol. The structure is soft, generous, opulent. (RV)” (08/2010)

“Magnum – was that why it tasted so beautiful? Subtle, fragrant and slightly floral. Racy and transparent – a very good Duhart! Tannins fully resolved. Very persistent. Very refreshing for a 2009. So good, and so relatively inexpensive, that I made it a wine of the week. 17.5/20 points (JR)” (10/2023)