Clerc Milon 1996 (750ML)

90 Points, Neal Martin, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 1996 Clerc Milon was surprisingly closed on the nose, tightly wound at first but gently unfurling with scents of melted tar, desiccated orange peel and leather that are interwoven into the black fruit. I noticed a more pronounced tobacco scent developing with time. The palate is medium-bodied with a little more flesh than the 1996 d'Armailhac, spicy with cracked black pepper, Hoi Sin, bay leaf and Asian spice notes liberally sprinkled over the finish. Decant this for an hour before pouring folks." 12/24

17 Points, Jancis Robinson, JancisRobinson.com: "Mid ruby that's a bit more intense than the colour of the Sarget de Gruaud Larose 1996 served alongside. More concentrated fruit and less sweet than the Sarget. Some of the severity of Pauillac, but with definite persistence – really very impressive. This bottle is quite intense, youthful and vigorous! (JR) (Drink between 2010-2030)" 12/24