Mouton Vertical

“Premier je suis, second je fus, Mouton ne change”

(First I am, second I was, Mouton does not change)

These were the emphatic words uttered by Baron Phillipe de Rothschild. Such was his faith in the calibre of Chateau Mouton Rothschild, which was eventually elevated from its 1855 Classification of Second Growth to First Growth status in 1973.

It’s not every day that you get to do a vertical tasting of 5 vintages of Chateau Mouton Rothschild! While celebrating new parents and a newborn in our midst, we also extended best wishes to a couple from our wine club who will be relocating to the US.

Lovely wines across the board! My favourites were the 2001 and 1989, which showed evolution, complexity and balance. Leather, mushrooms, coffee and caramel on the nose, with cherries, dried figs and earth on the palate. Both had long finishes. Personally favoured the 2001 which had more power and a fuller mid-palate. The 2002 was not far behind, with stronger pyrazine notes. 1989 was also stellar with high acidity. The 1995 had the darkest colour of the lot. Initially shy with predominant umami and vegetal notes, this finally hit its stride after about 2 hours.