1978 Château Duhart-Milon

Community Tasting Notes (23) Avg Score: 89.9 points

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  10/6/2023 - BellevuePhil Likes this wine: 93 Points

  No No Lads....this is not a 80's something. I am giving it a 93. She opened and the wait was worth it!
  
  In the grand tapestry of life, where the threads of opulence, adventure, and passion are delicately interwoven, I recently found myself enraptured by the ethereal charm of the 1978 Château Duhart-Milon. As a member of the upper echelons of society, an intrepid adventurer, a soulful blues musician, and an aficionado of life's most exquisite pleasures, I embarked on a sensory voyage that traversed time and memory, guided by the golden nectar that lay within the bottle.
  
  Upon uncorking, the air was infused with the heady aroma of history and sun-soaked Bordeaux terroir and unfortunately a whiff of what is known in the deep woods of Alaska as “camp crack”..... but ALAS! No fretting, she was a slow princess that needed time.
  
  In the glass, the wine revealed its secrets, shimmering like a ruby in the candlelight, a testament to the passage of four decades. The first sip was akin to a musical crescendo, each note resonating with the richness of Bordeaux's heritage and each passing twirl of the glass she opened for me. The velvety texture caressed my palate, unveiling a symphony of flavors—blackberries, plums, and a hint of cedar—that danced harmoniously, reminiscent of the soul-stirring melodies of a blues guitar under the starlit French sky.
  
  As the wine unfolded its story, it whisked me back to a tale my grandfather once shared, a risqué escapade set against the backdrop of downtown Bordeaux in the very year this exceptional vintage was born. His tale, a blend of audacity and passion, mirrored the bold spirit of the 1978 Château Duhart-Milon. A chance encounter, a mysterious stranger, and an unexpected revelation—she, with a secret as intriguing as the wine I now held in my hands, had ensnared his heart by midnight…only to find out she was of wooden leg. My grandfather indulged, much like my evening with this amazing forbidden beauty of the night.
  
  The memory of my grandfather's story that night lingered, much like the wine's lingering finish, leaving an indelible mark on his adventurous soul and now, an echo in mine.
  
  In the glass, I found not just a wine, but a time capsule, a vessel that transported me to the windswept fields of Bordeaux where, as a child, I had felt the caress of the French breeze on my forehead. It was a reminder of innocence, of wide-eyed wonder, and the promise of endless possibilities—much like the allure of this 1978 vintage. Despite its years, the Château Duhart-Milon has not lost its vigor. Instead, it had mellowed, evolving into a masterpiece that spoke of both the vivacity of youth and the wisdom of age.
  
  In each sip, I tasted the essence of that long-ago night, a blend of spontaneity and daring that had shaped my grandfather's story and, in turn, became a part of mine. The 1978 Château Duhart-Milon was not merely a wine; it was an experience, an epic tale that unfolded with every nuanced flavor, leaving me with a lingering taste of nostalgia and a newfound appreciation for the artistry of time and wine-making. This remarkable vintage, much like the winds of France, had blown over my senses, leaving me with a sense of awe and reverence for the enduring magic of Bordeaux.
  
  NOTE TO SELF: SHE OPENED IN 30 MINS, THEN GLASS BY GLASS…WAIT one hour decant required, then glass by glass she gets better each hour! SECOND BOTTLE SAME CASE: 1.3 DECANT

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  11/16/2022 - johnnylaw1222 Likes this wine: 91 Points

  This wine is still hanging in there. The last gasps of red fruit are enveloped by autumn leaves, tobacco, and worn leather. A slight greeness comes out on the finish. The tannins are fully integrated but the wine is not without structure and balance, and the acidity remains bright but not overpowering.

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  10/24/2021 - GrapeScott wrote: 89 Points

  This was an auction steal at under $40/bottle. This had the lowest fill (upper shoulder) of the lot, and a protruding cork with mold under the capsule. The cork was saturated but intact, removed by Durand. My notes are not detailed because this was opened somewhat late in the evening, but it exceeded my expectations. Classic Pauillac aromas of cedar and cigar box, pencil lead and cassis. Well into secondary development, and tiring a bit on the palate, but still with abundant currant, mineral and tobacco notes.

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  10/13/2020 - _water.into.wine_ Likes this wine: 90 Points

  Drank to celebrate C birthday (albeit a bit late)
  
  Most thought 90s bordeaux as served blind. Quite mature, lots of bricking and quite lean. Great for the year, but very mature. Drink up

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  9/6/2019 - bps2266 wrote:

  mild bricking but looks younger than stated age. captivating nose with coffee, chocolate, and bell pepper. palate vibrant with fresh acidity. tannins resolved and medium bodied. muted fruits but some apple and stewed cherries show along with a long chocolatey flavor. great showing.

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