Chateau Clos Du Moulin is a Bordeaux red blend from the Médoc's Saint-Estèphe appellation, bottled at 13.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Scored 92 points by Falstaff for the 2015 vintage, this family-estate wine earns recognition for its precise blending and extended oak aging within one of Bordeaux's most respected appellations. Quick Facts: ABV: 13.5% | Origin: Saint-Estèphe, Médoc, Bordeaux, France | Bordeaux Blend | Estate: Chateau Clos Du Moulin Production & Heritage Chateau Clos Du Moulin is crafted by a family-run estate where generations have devoted themselves to preserving Bordeaux's storied winemaking traditions. The blend draws on Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc — the classic Médoc triumvirate — with aging carried out in oak barrels following traditional methods. The estate balances time-honored techniques with sustainable innovations, and the hands-on approach is designed to honor the unique terroir of the Médoc's Saint-Estèphe commune, known for its clay-limestone soils and proximity to the Gironde estuary. Tasting Notes Aroma: Ripe blackcurrant leads the nose, followed by graphite and a measured hint of cedar. Successive swirls reveal darker fruit concentration and subtle earthy nuance. Taste: The entry is silky yet full-bodied, with layered black cherry and plum immediately commanding attention. Mid-palate, undertones of tobacco and earth emerge alongside generous tannins that frame the fruit without overwhelming it. Acidity holds everything in balance, lending freshness to the wine's dry, structured core. Finish: Long and elegant, with lingering impressions of oak spice and mineral texture. The tannins remain firm through the close, pointing toward aging potential. How to Drink Clos Du Moulin This Bordeaux blend shows best at cellar temperature — around 16–18°C (61–64°F) — after 30 to 60 minutes of decanting to soften its youthful tannins. Younger vintages benefit particularly from air exposure. Pair it with grilled lamb chops for a classic Bordeaux match, alongside a côte de boeuf where the wine's tannin structure cuts through the richness of the beef, or with aged Comté cheese to complement the wine's earthy, spiced character. Best For Building a Bordeaux-focused cellar with age-worthy Médoc selections Hosting a dinner party centered around red meat or game dishes Gifting a Bordeaux enthusiast an appellation-specific Saint-Estèphe red Exploring the Médoc's terroir diversity at an accessible price tier Frequently Asked Questions What does Clos Du Moulin taste like? Clos Du Moulin delivers ripe black cherry and plum layered with tobacco, earth, and spice, supported by generous tannins and a dry, structured core. The finish is long and mineral-driven with lingering oak notes. How does Clos Du Moulin compare to other Médoc Bordeaux? Médoc wines labeled simply "Médoc" tend to be lighter and more approachable in youth, while Clos Du Moulin's Saint-Estèphe origin gives it firmer tannins, more mineral texture, and greater aging potential. Its Falstaff scores of 91–92 points across recent vintages place it among the more critically regarded values from the appellation. Is Clos Du Moulin good for aging? Yes — multiple critics note its firm tannic structure and mineral core as indicators of good future development. The 2016 vintage, for example, was described by Wine Enthusiast as "already well integrated" yet still indicating further improvement ahead. Where is Clos Du Moulin made? Clos Du Moulin is produced at a family-run estate in the Saint-Estèphe appellation within the Médoc district of Bordeaux, France. Saint-Estèphe sits in the northern Haut-Médoc, known for clay-rich soils that produce structured, long-lived reds. What foods pair well with Clos Du Moulin? Grilled or roasted lamb pairs naturally with the wine's tannin and black fruit profile. Beef rib or côte de boeuf matches its full body, while duck confit complements its earthy undertones. Aged hard cheeses like Comté or Ossau-Iraty echo the wine's spice, and mushroom-based dishes work well with its tobacco and graphite notes. What sizes does Clos Du Moulin come in? Clos Du Moulin is available in the standard 750ml bottle format. Is Clos Du Moulin worth the price? Clos Du Moulin positions as an accessible entry into Saint-Estèphe, one of Bordeaux's more prestigious communes, making it a strong value within its appellation tier. Consistent Falstaff scores in the 91–92-point range across multiple vintages reinforce its quality relative to its price bracket. Why Clos Du Moulin? What distinguishes this wine is its Saint-Estèphe pedigree at an approachable price tier — a combination that has become increasingly rare in Bordeaux. The Falstaff 92-point score for the 2015 vintage and consistent 88–89-point ratings on Wine-Searcher across multiple years confirm a reliable quality baseline rather than a single standout bottling. Extended oak aging and a three-grape Bordeaux blend built around the estate's terroir produce a wine with genuine complexity — blackcurrant depth, mineral texture, and structured tannins — that rewards both immediate drinking and patient cellaring. For anyone exploring the character of Saint-Estèphe without committing to classified-growth pricing, Clos Du Moulin earns serious consideration.
