Critic Review
Vertical Tasting of Chateau Mouton-Rothschild (Aug 2011)
(77% cabernet sauvignon, 13% merlot and 10% cabernet franc; pH 3.85; IPT 73; 12.7% alcohol; 83% new oak): Bright ruby with a palish rim. Intense, fragrant aromas of strawberry, iris, coffee, white pepper and bay leaf are lifted by an aromatic spice note; one can recognize the cabernet franc here. Rich, dense and suave, with very pure red fruit, cedar and herb flavors that coat the palate and are nicely carried by vibrant, harmonious acidity. Finishes with outstanding length, noble tannins and a late spicy, floral kick. This outstanding Mouton has improved enormously since its release. Tourbier agrees: We were a little worried initially that this Mouton seemed too rigid, almost austere. Instead, it did a complete turnaround once bottled, surprising us as well.
Ian d'Agata - 96
Vertical Tasting of Chateau Mouton-Rothschild (Aug 2011)
(77% cabernet sauvignon, 13% merlot and 10% cabernet franc; pH 3.85; IPT 73; 12.7% alcohol; 83% new oak): Bright ruby with a palish rim. Intense, fragrant aromas of strawberry, iris, coffee, white pepper and bay leaf are lifted by an aromatic spice note; one can recognize the cabernet franc here. Rich, dense and suave, with very pure red fruit, cedar and herb flavors that coat the palate and are nicely carried by vibrant, harmonious acidity. Finishes with outstanding length, noble tannins and a late spicy, floral kick. This outstanding Mouton has improved enormously since its release. Tourbier agrees: We were a little worried initially that this Mouton seemed too rigid, almost austere. Instead, it did a complete turnaround once bottled, surprising us as well.
Ian d'Agata - 96
Cellar Journal: Bordeaux 1920-2015 (Dec 2019)
The 1996 Mouton-Rothschild is the high point of what in retrospect was an inconsistent decade for this First Growth. It has a very attractive, classic Pauillac bouquet: predominantly black fruit laced with cedar, freshly rolled tobacco and light graphite scents. It is not lavish, but tightly controlled. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, though not as fine as recent vintages under Philippe Dhalluin. There is satisfying density and gentle grip toward the finish, which feels fresh and contains enough energy to suggest that it is only just reaching its plateau. Tasted from an ex-château jeroboam at the Palace of Versailles charity dinner.
Neal Martin - 95
Cellar Journal: Bordeaux 1920-2015 (Dec 2019)
The 1996 Mouton-Rothschild is the high point of what in retrospect was an inconsistent decade for this First Growth. It has a very attractive, classic Pauillac bouquet: predominantly black fruit laced with cedar, freshly rolled tobacco and light graphite scents. It is not lavish, but tightly controlled. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, though not as fine as recent vintages under Philippe Dhalluin. There is satisfying density and gentle grip toward the finish, which feels fresh and contains enough energy to suggest that it is only just reaching its plateau. Tasted from an ex-château jeroboam at the Palace of Versailles charity dinner.
Neal Martin - 95
1998, 1997 and 1996 Bordeaux (May 1999)
Good bright ruby. Aromas of dark berries, truffle and game. Sweet and rather lush but a bit monolithic, even musclebound. Finishes with substantial tongue-dusting tannins and a repeating animal quality.
Stephen Tanzer - 87
1998, 1997 and 1996 Bordeaux (May 1999)
Good bright ruby. Aromas of dark berries, truffle and game. Sweet and rather lush but a bit monolithic, even musclebound. Finishes with substantial tongue-dusting tannins and a repeating animal quality.
Stephen Tanzer - 87
1998, 1997 and 1996 Bordeaux (May 1999)
Deep ruby. Pungent spices, black fruits, minerals, roasted nuts and coffee on the nose. Smooth and thick but solidly structured; faint animal notes in the mouth. Nicely integrated acids and tannins. A vin de garde yet the tannins seem less tough than normal, spreading out nicely on the aftertaste.
Stephen Tanzer - 90
1998, 1997 and 1996 Bordeaux (May 1999)
Deep ruby. Pungent spices, black fruits, minerals, roasted nuts and coffee on the nose. Smooth and thick but solidly structured; faint animal notes in the mouth. Nicely integrated acids and tannins. A vin de garde yet the tannins seem less tough than normal, spreading out nicely on the aftertaste.
Stephen Tanzer - 90
1998, 1997 and 1996 Bordeaux (May 1999)
Bright deep ruby. Vinous, complex aromas of cassis, roasted plum, spice, licorice, roast coffee, game and grilled bread. Voluminous yet currently rather inexpressive in the mouth; this has a depth and texture not shown in either the '97 or '98. Distinct notes of torrefaction in the mouth. Finishes very long, with well-buffered, ripe tannins.
Stephen Tanzer - 92
1998, 1997 and 1996 Bordeaux (May 1999)
Bright deep ruby. Vinous, complex aromas of cassis, roasted plum, spice, licorice, roast coffee, game and grilled bread. Voluminous yet currently rather inexpressive in the mouth; this has a depth and texture not shown in either the '97 or '98. Distinct notes of torrefaction in the mouth. Finishes very long, with well-buffered, ripe tannins.
Stephen Tanzer - 92
