2006 Duhart-Milon Rothschild
By Chateau Duhart-Milon Rothschild
2006 Duhart-Milon Rothschild from Chateau Duhart-Milon Rothschild, Pauillac, Bordeaux
The 2006 Duhart-Milon Rothschild from Chateau Duhart-Milon Rothschild stands as a testament to the resilience and integrity of the Pauillac terroir during a challenging vintage. The year's climatic odyssey with its dry and cool periods fostered a rather rigorous selection in the field, leading to a harvest that reflected both tenacity and finesse.
Robust Yet Refined: A Vintage With Resolve
While the 2006 vintage did not mirror the blazing glory of its immediate predecessors, it offered a unique exploration of structure and complexity. With a blend dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, supported by the softer yet potent Merlot, the 2006 vintage whispers tales of remarkable vine survival and diligent vintners who navigated a vintage fraught with capricious weather.
The nose greets with cassis and savoury spices, while on the palate one discovers layers of black fruits interwoven with tobacco leaf and a hint of cedar. There is an undeniable grace to the tannins that have softened over time, emerging as silky rather than stern, ensuring that each sip begs contemplation.
A Bordeaux To Behold
In the panorama of Pauillac offerings, the 2006 Duhart-Milon Rothschild showcases remarkable value and aging potential. Despite its initial austerity, time has ushered this wine into a harmonious chapter where balance becomes the keynote. Suitable for discerning palates that seek depth and vigour without exuberance – this is an exemplary choice for investors looking to diversify their portfolio with an understated yet stately Bordeaux.
In summation, the 2006 Duhart-Milon Rothschild from Chateau Duhart-Milon Rothschild is an embodiment of Pauillac identity in a challenging year. It remains one of those quietly confident vintages that bolster a collection, offering nuanced pleasures to both enthusiast and investor alike.
Current market price
$1,290.00
12x75cl
Highest score
92
POP score
64.17
Scores and tasting notes
It is no longer an insider’s secret that the investments made by the Rothschild family (of Lafite) in Duhart Milon are paying big dividends. A shrewd Pauillac lover’s delight, it possesses exceptional quality, yet the price remains fair. This blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot, only 50% made it into the final blend, displays some of Lafite’s classic notes of lead pencil shavings, cedar, and black currants along with more earthy, roasted herb, and spice box characteristics. Rich, full-bodied, dense, and already approachable, it should evolve easily for two decades. Good value.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #181 Feb 2009
Tasted at the IMW Lafite seminar in London. The 2006 Duhart Milon has a superb bouquet, which is strict and linear as usual. There is very pure Cabernet Sauvignon: blackberry, graphite and a touch of chalk dust. The palate is medium-bodied with edgy tannins that lend a slight powdery texture. It is very well balanced with blackberry, graphite, mint and a touch of burnt toast. It has impressive focus and delineation, though it is not foursquare. This is a typically serious wine that deserves ten years at least in bottle. Tasted February 2012.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal May 2012
The 2006 Château Duhart-Milon displayed a comparatively muted nose that does not really escape from the glass, despite encouragement (somewhat typical of Duhart in its first ten years). The palate is gritty and hard with plenty of graphite infusing the broody black fruit at the moment, though the finish feels rather pinched. Give this another 2-3 years and plenty of decanting. Tasted April 2016.
Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 29 May 2016