The 2001 Clerc Milon has a lovely bouquet that puts the 2000 in its place with exuberant black cherry and bilberry fruit, estuarine scents and hints of orange blossom and iodine. Wonderful! The medium-bodied palate offers succulent tannins and vibrant red berry fruit laced with white pepper and cedar. Very harmonious, with impressive weight toward the finish. This is cruising at its peak, and given this showing, it will continue to offer great pleasure. One to seek out.

Ruby-red. Ripe aromas of licorice, bitter chocolate, roasted herbs, tar and exotic spices. Supple, round and pliant, with redcurrant, licorice and herbal flavors. Finishes with surprisingly sweet tannins nicely buffered by the wine's fat. A very good showing for this wine.

Tasted on three separate occasions, this 2001 did not perform nearly as well from bottle as it did from cask. A blend of 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, and 10% Cabernet Franc, it exhibits aromas reminiscent of a Starbuck espresso, melted licorice, black currants, cherries, cedar, a notion of dried herbs, and elevated oak. With attractive texture and firm tannin in the finish, it requires 2-3 years of cellaring, and should drink well for 14-15. While it is an excellent, medium-bodied Pauillac, it is nowhere near as impressive as I anticipated from cask.

Quite pale mid red. Curiously ripe on the nose. Fresh, vigorous on the palate – just medium weight but complete and satisfactory. Long and well balanced. Bright fruit. Long term. (JR)