2023 Château Duhart-Milon Pauillac Grand Cru Classé

Château Duhart-Milon Winery

Château Duhart-Milon is owned by Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) and, together with Château Lafite Rothschild, forms a historic duo in Pauillac. The château employs a distinctly classical approach, both in the vineyard and in the cellar. The focus is on Cabernet Sauvignon, with vinification and aging aimed at balance, structure, and long-term development. In recent years, quality has visibly improved due to more precise vineyard management and adaptations to a warmer climate.

More information about this winery can be found under the Winery tab.

Region, climate and location

The Château Duhart-Milon vineyards are located in Pauillac, directly adjacent to Lafite. The soils consist of a combination of deep gravel and clay-rich plots. These differences traditionally produce wines with more structure than volume, but with riper harvests and refined viticulture, the style is increasingly aligned with the classic Pauillac profile. The 2023 vintage benefited from a long growing season, resulting in ripe fruit that retained its freshness.

Vineyards

Duhart-Milon's plots ripen later than Lafite's. The clay-rich areas lend strength and depth, while the gravelly plots create tension and aromatic precision. The introduction of mulch and a refined plot approach have resulted in greater balance and a fuller mid-palate than in older vintages.

Grape varieties and composition

The 2023 vintage is composed of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot. Cabernet Sauvignon was harvested late and clearly forms the backbone of the wine, with structure, freshness, and graphite-like tension. Merlot contributes roundness and texture to the mid-palate.

Harvest, vinification and maturation

The harvest took place between late September and early October. Vinification is classic, with regular pumping over and racking. The wine is aged in approximately 50% new oak, largely from Lafite's own cooperage, with lightly toasted Allier and Nevers oak. This approach supports the structure without overpowering the fruit.

Color, smell and taste

The wine displays a deep ruby red color. The aroma reveals cassis, black cherry, and dark forest fruit, complemented by notes of graphite, cedar, mint, and spice. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, with a concentrated core of cool yet ripe fruit. The tannins are fine and precisely polished, with a soft, almost sweet texture that provides balance. The finish is long, classic, and distinctly Pauillac, emphasizing structure and freshness.

Development and drinking window

The 2023 Duhart-Milon was rated 92–94 points by William Kelley of The Wine Advocate and 93–95 by Neal Martin. A final score of 95 was also awarded. The wine is relatively approachable in its youth, but will clearly gain in complexity and harmony with age. Drinking windows range from approximately 2027 to 2060, depending on style and preference.

Summary of professional reviews

William Kelley of The Wine Advocate praised the layering, concentration, and long finish, emphasizing ripe yet fresh Cabernet fruit and refined tannins. Neal Martin emphasized the graphite tension, classic structure, and aging potential, noting that patience is rewarded. The final ratings of around 95 points underscore the clear quality improvement Duhart-Milon has made in recent years.

The full review texts can be found in the Professional Reviews tab.

If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you this information when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pick up" at the checkout page. We're located in Dordrecht, right next to the A16 motorway, with ample parking. Click here for our address.

You can read the full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others. Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grand Cru customers.