In Bond Fine Wine. 2018 Château Mouton Rothschild, Pauillac, Bordeaux, France. First Growth • Red Bordeaux in 6x75cl. Top critic score: 97/100 (NM). 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…
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW (LPB) — 97–99/100 · Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com, 23/04/2019
The 2018 Mouton Rothschild is composed of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc'there is also a splash of all the Petit Verdot they had, but it doesn't even register in the percentage. Grapes were harvested September 10 to October 3, and the wine was blended at the beginning of December; it has 13.8% alcohol, and the tannins were slightly higher this year. Deep purple-black in…
Jeb Dunnuck (JD) — 97/100 · JebDunnuck.com, 21/07/2021 · Drink 2029 - 2079
Coming from a selection of 76% of the total production, the 2018 Chateau Mouton Rothschild checks in as 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc that was brought up all in new French oak. This dense purple-hued effort has a backward, primordial bouquet of pure creme de cassis, scorched earth, burning embers, and graphite. There are hints of classic Pauillac tobacco and lead…
James Suckling (JS) — 100/100 · JamesSuckling.com, 11/04/2019
I am a little bit speechless about this one. I have not seen such earthy and totally deep character of the soil in a young Mouton in my career. Of course, I didn't taste 1945 or 1959 when they were young, but I have been lucky enough to have a few bottles in my life. There is really terroir-driven character to this. Layered and so intense with polished and incredible tannins.