Product detailed description

Three consecutive vintages of Château Duhart Milon Rothschild. One terroir, three different expressions of the Pauillac climate.

Vertical tasting: what lies behind this term

Vertical tasting is an unparalleled way of exploring wine. Rather than comparing different châteaux from the same year, the taster focuses on a single estate and observes how its character evolves over time. The same vineyard, the same grape varieties, the same winemaking approach – and yet three completely different bottles.

This is precisely where the value of this set lies. The 2006, 2007 and 2008 vintages represent three climatically distinct seasons in Bordeaux. The taster can thus experience first-hand how September rain, August heat or a late harvest shape the tannin structure, the depth of the fruit and the length of the finish. It is not just an experience – it is education in its most enjoyable form.

A vertical tasting set is the ideal choice for anyone wishing to gain a deep understanding of Bordeaux: for the experienced connoisseur seeking an intellectual dimension to their tasting, as well as for the curious beginner who wants to learn more about wine than just what’s written on the label. It also makes an exceptional gift for anyone who values quality and the story behind the bottle.

Château Duhart-Milon Rothschild: a Fourth Growth under the care of Lafite

Château Duhart-Milon is a wine estate in the Pauillac appellation in the Médoc, classified as a 4th Grand Cru Classé in the historic 1855 Bordeaux classification. Since 1962, it has been part of the Rothschild portfolio – the famous neighbours from Château Lafite – and shares with them both the vineyard management team and the philosophy behind the work in the cellar.

Before the Rothschilds arrived, the château had passed through the hands of five different owners, none of whom, however, had devoted comparable care to the land. The Rothschilds launched an extensive renovation programme, replanted the vineyards with new vines and defined the varietal composition, which today covers 50 hectares: 57 per cent Cabernet Sauvignon, 21 per cent Merlot, 20 per cent Cabernet Franc and a small amount of Petit Verdot.

The flagship wine is aged for up to 18 months in oak barrels, approximately half of which are new. The result is a style that best characterises Pauillac: elegance and power in harmonious balance, a full-bodied flavour with firm yet refined tannins.

Three vintages, three stories

Château Duhart Milon Rothschild 2006 Pauillac

The 2006 vintage produced a rich, fully mature wine with a distinctive structure in Bordeaux. This bottle offers a beautiful, dark garnet colour and ripe aromas of black cherries, blackcurrants and dark chocolate. On the palate, it is full-bodied, silky smooth, with sufficient depth for further ageing. Classification: 4th Grand Cru Classé in 1855. 

Château Duhart Milon Rothschild 2007 Pauillac

The 2007 vintage was climatically more challenging in Bordeaux – producing medium-bodied wines with pronounced freshness. The Duhart Milon from this vintage is fully mature, with bright, rich red fruit and hints of tobacco, cedar and plum. The finish offers fresh notes of cherry, which lend the wine liveliness and elegance. Grape varieties: 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot. 

Château Duhart Milon Rothschild 2008 Pauillac

The 2008 vintage is prized in Bordeaux for its structure and potential for long ageing. The wine has a beautiful ruby colour, with dark fruit dominating the nose. On the palate, it is firm, with lovely tannins that suggest further development in the bottle. Blend: 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot. 

Food pairing recommendations

All three vintages are classic Bordeaux reds – full-bodied, structured, with a pronounced Cabernet Sauvignon base. They are at their best with dishes that have depth of flavour and a touch of richness.

They pair superbly with roast lamb or slow-cooked beef – such as beef fillet in wine or braised ossobuco. Duck breast or game (roe deer, red deer) are also excellent choices, as they have a naturally more pronounced flavour and pair perfectly with the tannins of Pauillac. If you’re looking for a simpler option, a good-quality beef burger with mature cheese or roast ribs with herb seasoning will also do the trick.

For cheeses, we recommend mature Comté, Manchego or the local Olomoucký tvarůžek – their intensity will complement the wine beautifully without overpowering it.

For the vertical tasting itself, we recommend serving the wines from the youngest to the oldest – that is, from 2008 to 2006 – and allowing a moment’s pause between each bottle to compare your impressions.