The Producer
Located in Pauillac, in the heart of the Médoc, Château Mouton Rothschild has a unique history marked by boldness and modernity. Acquired in 1853 by the Rothschild family with Baron Nathaniel de Rothschild, the estate was long known as Mouton d’Armailhacq before definitively adopting the name Mouton Rothschild in 1922. Visionary, Baron Philippe de Rothschild profoundly transformed the château in the 20th century, notably imposing the estate's full bottling. His fight to have the true value of Mouton recognized culminated in 1973 with a historic event: its elevation to the rank of Premier Grand Cru Classé, the only revision of the 1855 classification.
The vineyard of Mouton Rothschild extends over approximately 82 hectares, resting on deep gravel ridges typical of Pauillac, perfectly drained and ideal for vines. These soils, a mix of gravel, sand, and clay-limestone subsoils, give the wines power, structure, and finesse. The grape variety is dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and a touch of Petit Verdot, allowing for a precise expression of the terroir's identity and the appellation's unique signature.
Today, Château Mouton Rothschild is run by the descendants of Baroness Philippine de Rothschild and remains an absolute symbol of Bordeaux excellence. The estate combines a deep respect for tradition with a constant pursuit of perfection, both in the vineyard and in the cellar. Each vintage is also distinguished by its artistic label, illustrated by a renowned contemporary artist, making Mouton Rothschild a wine that is both mythical, cultural, and resolutely forward-looking.
The Wine
The viticulture of the Grand Vin relies on a densely planted and meticulously maintained vineyard, with manual work from the soil to the vine and entirely manual harvesting, plot by plot, allowing for a rigorous selection of grapes before entering the cellar.
The winemaking takes place in an ultra-modern gravity-fed winery combining oak and stainless steel tanks, where each batch is vinified separately to preserve the expression of each plot and optimize extraction and structure.
After malolactic fermentation, the Grand Vin is aged for about 20 months in carefully selected new French oak barrels, an essential traditional step to refine its aromatic complexity and texture.
Tasting
Château Mouton Rothschild impresses with a majestic depth and intensity, blending sumptuous aromas of ripe blackcurrant, graphite, cedar, noble spices, and a subtly smoky touch. On the palate, the texture is ample, velvety, and incredibly precise, supported by tannins of aristocratic finesse and a perfectly controlled powerful structure. The finish, endless and vibrant, leaves an impression of absolute grandeur, where elegance, complexity, and aging potential come together at the pinnacle of Pauillac.
Scores and Notes
99
Vinous
97
Decanter
18/20
Jancis Robinson
95
James Suckling