Château Clerc Milon
A Legacy Born in the Vineyards of Pauillac
Château Clerc Milon is one of the most cherished names in red wine, often called the Doll Wine in Thailand for its charming label. It began in 1730 in the village of Milon, within the Pauillac region of Bordeaux, rooted in the noble lineage of Jean-Baptiste Clerc.
Bordeauxs 1855 Fifth Growth Classification
In the historic 1855 Bordeaux Classification, Château Clerc Milon was designated a Cinquième Cru Classé (Fifth Growth). Despite being in the fifth tier, its consistent quality and bold flavors have ensured its continued global recognition.
From Decline to Revival: The Crisis of the 19th20th Century
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the winery suffered severe setbacks due to economic hardship, phylloxera outbreaks, and lack of care. The wine's reputation and quality declined significantly during this period.
Rothschild Acquisition: A Turning Point
In 1970, the prestigious Rothschild familyowners of Château Mouton Rothschild (a First Growth wine)acquired Clerc Milon. They launched a complete revitalization of the estate, from vineyard replanting to state-of-the-art winemaking practices.
Investments That Transformed a Brand
The Rothschilds invested in vineyard infrastructure, modern cellar facilities, and strict quality controls. These improvements quickly brought Clerc Milon back into the spotlight as a wine of elegance, complexity, and distinction.
A Terroir Made for Greatness
The estate spans over 256 acres on gravel-rich soil near the Gironde estuary. Its vineyards grow classic Bordeaux varietals including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Carmenèreresulting in wines with powerful structure, ripe fruit character, and great aging potential.
The Iconic Dancing Label
Originally featuring a traditional 17th-century marriage cup (Jungfraubecher), the label was redesigned in 1983 to feature a dancing couple inspired by Commedia dellartesymbolizing joy, celebration, and the art of winemaking. This charming image led Thai wine lovers to dub it the wine with the dolls.
Still a Global Favorite Among Collectors
With elegant depth, refined tannins, and aging capacity, Château Clerc Milon remains a collectors favorite. It is regularly praised by wine critics and continues to be a symbol of Bordeaux excellence today.