Clerc Milon, Chateau
Summary
Château Clerc Milon is a 41-hectare Fifth Growth estate in Pauillac owned by the Rothschild family, producing approximately 15,000 cases annually of Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant Bordeaux blends from gravelly soils between two First Growth neighbors. The estate combines traditional Bordeaux methods with modern precision in its gravity-fed winery, maintaining classic winemaking practices while incorporating sustainable features and preserving some of the Médoc's oldest Carmenère vines.
Heritage & Leadership
Château Clerc Milon stands as a Fifth Growth (Cinquième Cru) estate according to the 1855 Bordeaux Classification. The property traces its origins to the early 18th century when it was founded by the Clerc family, who joined their name with that of the Pauillac hamlet of Milon where the vineyards are situated. The estate changed hands multiple times throughout its history until 1970, when Baron Philippe de Rothschild purchased the property, marking a turning point in its development.
Under Rothschild ownership, Château Clerc Milon underwent significant revitalization. Following Baron Philippe's death in 1988, his daughter Baroness Philippine de Rothschild continued the family's commitment to the estate until her passing in 2014. Today, Clerc Milon operates under the direction of Philippe Sereys de Rothschild, Julien de Beaumarchais de Rothschild, and Camille Sereys de Rothschild, the three children of Baroness Philippine, who serve as co-owners of Baron Philippe de Rothschild S.A. The day-to-day winemaking operations are overseen by Jean-Emmanuel Danjoy, who was appointed director of Clerc Milon in 2011 after working at Opus One in California.
Vineyards & Wines
Château Clerc Milon encompasses 41 hectares of vineyards in the Pauillac appellation on Bordeaux's Left Bank. The estate's parcels occupy a prime position on the slopes overlooking the Gironde estuary, situated between Château Mouton Rothschild and Château Lafite Rothschild. The vineyards feature the classic Médoc gravel-based soils that provide excellent drainage and heat retention, contributing to optimal ripening conditions for the vines.
The vineyard composition reflects traditional Bordeaux planting, with 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot, and 1% Carmenère. This last variety is particularly noteworthy, as Clerc Milon maintains some of the oldest Carmenère plantings in the Médoc. The average vine age stands at 53 years, with some parcels dating back significantly longer. The estate produces approximately 15,000 cases annually of its grand vin, Château Clerc Milon, and a second wine called Pastourelle de Clerc Milon, introduced in 2009.
Philosophy & Practice
Château Clerc Milon adheres to traditional Bordeaux winemaking methods while incorporating modern technology where beneficial. Harvest is conducted by hand, with grapes sorted twice—once in the vineyard and again at the winery—to ensure only the highest quality fruit enters production. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats of varying sizes, allowing for precise parcel-by-parcel vinification.
In 2007, the estate inaugurated a new gravity-fed winery designed to minimize manipulation of the grapes and wine. This facility features stainless steel vats corresponding to the estate's main vineyard parcels, enabling highly precise lot-by-lot vinification. The grand vin typically ages for 16-18 months in French oak barrels, with approximately 40% new oak used each vintage.
The Rothschild family has invested substantially in Clerc Milon's infrastructure, completing a new winery and administrative building in 2011 that incorporates solar panels and rainwater recovery systems. The estate practices sustainable viticulture, focusing on reduced chemical interventions and increased biodiversity in the vineyards, though it does not currently hold organic or biodynamic certification.