From the Lafite stable but costing 1/10th of the price of its more famous sibling, Duhart-Milon offers near unrivalled combination of pedigree and value not just in Pauillac, but all of Bordeaux. It is an annual surprise that Duhart-Milon is not much more expensive.

The vineyard consists mainly of a single block of vines in between First Growths Lafite Rothschild and Mouton Rothschild, on the Milon hillside, which runs along the Carruades plateau. Managed by the same team as Lafite, Eric Kohler has been doing wonders at this estate in recent years.

Possibly the best Duhart yet' in the words of JancisRobinson.com's James Lawther MW, the newly released 2020 vintage is on par with, and could even exceed once in bottle, the brilliant 2009 vintage. In fact, in the modern era, Duhart-Milon regularly out performs Lafite's second wine Carruades, yet but is available at a fraction of the cost.

With 95-96 points from James Suckling, 94-96 points from Jeb Dunnuck, 95 points from Decanter's Jane Anson and 17.5/20 from Lawther, Dunnuck notes this blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon and 28% Merlot is 'not too dissimilar from the 2016' (JD), a historic vintage in its own right, but with more structure to ensure everything is in the right place.

'Restrained and sombre at first', the hallmark of a great Duhart, the 'rippling muscular texture' (DC) is held in check by a 'profusion of super-fine tannins' (JL) and bright acidity underneath. 'Elegant' and 'precise' (DC), the 2020 Duhart feels unmistakably Pauillac in its density and is 'another classic, concentrated, impressive wine from this team' (JD).

Released today at £342 per case IB, with its prime location of vineyards between two First Growths and being managed by one of the best winemaking teams in the world, Duhart-Milon has top Bordeaux pedigree without the price-tag.