Clerc Milon Pauillac 1996

93 points Jane Anson (Inside Bordeaux): "(51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc). An exceptional vintage, the tannins of this 1996 feel a little edgy and austere, although there is precision on display, with waves of graphite and liqourice along with classic cassis fruits and sweetened bilberry puree, I would give this a few more years and go for the 1990 right now (or the 1996 Armailhac), Eric Tourbier technical director. Harvest September 30 to October 9. Alcohol 12.8%. Drink: 2022-2038. (10/14/22)"

92 points (16/20) La Revue du Vin de France (Jan 2005).

90 points Robert Parker: "This is among the finest wines I have ever tasted from this estate. Lavishly oaked, with gobs of pain grille and rich fruit, it is massive and concentrated. The color is dense ruby/purple. The bouquet offers notes of roasted coffee, tobacco, and jammy cassis. Although surprisingly soft and opulent on the attack, the mid-section and finish reveal the wine's full body, high flavor extraction, and moderate tannin. (Apr 1999)"

90 points Neal Martin (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. Drink: 2017-2035. (Oct 2016)"

90 points Jeff Leve (The Wine Cellar Insider): "From a blend of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, and 12% Cabernet Franc, this fully mature Pauillac displayed cassis, tobacco and truffle in the aromas. With a medium body, this Pauillac ended with with sweet, black cherries and spice flavors. This Bordeaux wine is fully mature. There is no reason to age it any longer as it will not improve much from here. (Jul 2013)"