In Bond Fine Wine. 2000 Château Mouton Rothschild, Pauillac, Bordeaux, France. First Growth • Red Bordeaux in 12x75cl. Top critic score: 98/100 (RP). Sold in bond by Albany Vintners, independent fine wine merchants.
Château Mouton Rothschild is one of Bordeaux’s most celebrated estates - a First Growth that blends artistic flair with technical excellence and bold, expressive wines. Originally classified as a Second Growth in 1855, it became the only château to be elevated to First Growth status in 1973, thanks to the tireless efforts of Baron Philippe de Rothschild. Since then, Mouton has become a symbol of luxury and creativity, famously commissioning a different artist each year - Picasso, Warhol, Hockney, among others - to design its label. The label and artist reveal is always keenly anticipated. Mouton is known for itsr opulence, richness, and ageing potential - typically more flamboyant and exotic in style than its First Growth peers, with layers of cassis, cedar, spice, and polished tannins. Mouton’s recent vintages - 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2022 - have received widespread acclaim, many scoring perfect or near perfect ratings from the leading critics. Mouton Rothschild continues to stand as one of the most dynamic First Growths, and its distinctive style and prestige make it a collector’s favourite.
James Suckling (JS) — 93/100 · Wine Spectator, 31/03/2003 · Drink 2009+
Rich, with loads of tobacco, berry, currant and coffee. Full-bodied and round, with velvety tannins and a long, vanilla aftertaste. If this had a tiny bit more concentration in the center palate, it would be a few points more. Still, it's an outstanding wine. A generous and opulent Mouton. Best after 2009. 21,215 cases made.
Jancis Robinson MW (JR) — 17–18/20 · JancisRobinson.com, 23/03/2010 · Drink 2013-2025
Dark, glowing ruby. Notably toasty nose - odd for a first growth! Easy to like for its sweetness and toastiness. This does not seem to have first growth subtlety - though it does have that snazzy heavy bottle with the gold sheep engraved on it..
Neal Martin (NM) — 91/100 · Vinous, 01/09/2021 · Drink 2021-2035
The 2000 Mouton-Rothschild is a vintage that famously came in an eye-catching gold-embossed bottle, though I was rather ambivalent about its quality. Now just over two decades old, it has a focused bouquet of blackberry, mint and tobacco/black truffle scents, demonstrating fine intensity if not the show-stopping complexity one might expect from a First Growth in 2000. The palate is medium-bodied,…