In Bond Fine Wine. 2005 Château Mouton Rothschild, Pauillac, Bordeaux, France. First Growth • Red Bordeaux in 6x75cl. Top critic score: 100/100 (JA). Drinking window: 2022–2055. 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…
James Suckling (JS) — 95/100 · Wine Spectator, 31/03/2008 · Drink 2012+
Dark purple black in color. Complex aromas of mineral, licorice, lead pencil and blackberry follow through to a full body, with ultrafine tannins and a caressing, pretty finish. Has a lovely texture. Shows elegance and refinement. Best after 2012.
Neal Martin (NM) — 98/100 · Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com, 31/01/2017 · Drink 2020-2050
The 2005 Chateau Mouton-Rothschild is a deeply impressive First Growth. It has been blessed with a sensational nose that comes racing out of the blocks with audacious scents of black fruit, cedar, smoke and pencil box (Philippe Dhalluin mentioned that the signature smokiness/fireside hearth was tangible in around 80% of the vats during elevage). There is a sense of bravura here, of aristocracy. T…
Robert Parker (RP) — 97/100 · Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com, 30/06/2015 · Drink 2015-2045
The 2005 Mouton Rothschild (85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc) has a sensational nose of creme de cassis and incense as well as a touch of lead pencil shavings and forest floor. Dense purple, this is one of the biggest, richest wines I tasted from the Medoc. It is full-bodied, pure, and impressively endowed. Certainly the selection process and the vineyard have come through…