Pauillac First Growth
93% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Merlot.
Chateau Mouton Rothschild holds a unique place in the history of Bordeaux, being the only property to have its ranking changed since the introduction of the 1855 Classification. Originally listed as a Second Growth, through the tireless efforts of Baron Philippe Rothschild to make a wine he truly believed could match the best in the world, the property was upgraded to First Growth in June 1973. Known as the most flamboyant of the First Growth wines, Mouton Rothschild shows the rich and exotic side of Pauillac. Plantings on the 75 hectare property are a mix of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot.
Jane Anson: 98-100/100
High Cabernet, and the grape is dominant not just in blend but character, totally delicious, with tension, flesh, and confidence, building layers of black fruits, graphite, cocoa bean, espresso, pomegranate and smoked earth throughout the palate. When Cabernet works at Mouton, it is hard to beat, and it's on full display in 2023. One of my clear wines of the vintage. Of any vintage. 100% new oak for ageing. 40% grand vin, harvest September 7 to 30.
James Suckling: 98-99/100
This is the most structured Mouton since the great 2016, with tannins that start slowly and then take off. It’s muscular and toned. It’s full-bodied but doesn’t come across too heavy. It builds up in intensity and goes on and on and on. It just keeps expanding. I took a double take here. 93% cabernet sauvignon and 7% merlot.
Antonio Galloni - Vinous: 96-99/100
The 2023 Mouton Rothschild is shaping up to be one of the wines of the vintages on the Left Bank. Its balance of intense, super-concentrated fruit and equally imposing structure is spellbinding. Dark red-toned fruit, blood orange, spice, pencil shavings and dried herbs gain intensity in the glass. I especially admire its vertical build and overall energy. This is an exciting young Mouton endowed with palpable dynamic energy. It's a superb effort from the team led by Technical Director Jean-Emmanuel Danjoy. Drink 2023-2073.
Georgina Hindle - Decanter: 98/100
Gorgeous red and black fruit on the nose, ripe strawberries, cherries and blackcurrants, really fruit forward and expressive, not so much on the mineral or floral side. Smooth and supple, this is agile and has great movement. A sense of life, depth and richness, but this is so suave. The fruit and tannins fill the mouth but with wonderful coolness - blueberry and crisp cherry. Lots of liquorice and wet stones also come through; graphite, chalk, mint, a touch of toastiness on the finish. It has flashes of exoticism, as well as finesse. Structure and seriousness but with bounce, full of texture and nuance. Tannins have built a broad wine and this is a real success with lots of energy and vibrancy throughout but with no harsh acidity or too lean tannins. Stylish, characterful and executed very well. 11% press wine, last year was 17%. 93% Cabernet in the blend, second highest in history after 2010 which was 94%. 75 IPT. 40% grand vin production. A potential 100-point wine. Drink 2033 - 2060.