Mouton-Rothschild Owner Buys Neighboring Bordeaux Estate

La Fleur Milon in Pauillac may be used to enhance production of Clerc Milon.

Dana Nigro
Posted: May 14, 2004

Baroness Philippine de Rothschild finalized the purchase today of Château La Fleur Milon in Pauillac, a cru bourgeois estate located between two of her other châteaus: first-growth Mouton-Rothschild and fifth-growth Clerc Milon.

Rothschild said her company, Baron Philippe de Rothschild S.A., bought La Fleur Milon simply because it was for sale. "We couldn't possibly let it go," she said. "It's along our property." She did not disclose the purchase price, but said the two parties had worked on the deal for six months.

André Gimenez acquired a small plot of land and the La Fleur Milon label in 1958 and expanded the estate over the years. Upon his death in 1985, it passed to his eldest daughter, Claude Mirande, and her family.

The 30-acre property is planted to 65 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 25 percent Merlot and 10 percent Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Rothschild said her company would probably use some of La Fleur Milon's grapes to enhance production of Clerc Milon, but would also keep the brand. "It's quite well-known, though it's not a great wine," she said. La Fleur Milon has its own winery facility, which may also be used to make Clerc Milon.