2005 Mouton Rothschild

Mid shaded crimson. Perfumed, almost floral, seductive nose. Dry finish with tannins still quite prominent. Seems as though the extraction was quite enthusiastic! (JR)

I think the 2005 Château Mouton Rothschild is pure perfection, and is has a ripe, powerful, yet weightless style not far off the 1982. A blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc brought up in new barrels, it’s just now starting to enter its adolescence phase and has sensational notes of ripe black fruits, smoky, scorched earth, pipe tobacco, and chocolate. Massively rich and opulent on the palate, with building yet sweet tannins and no hard edges, it’s one of those wines that needs to be tasted to be believed. Drink bottles any time over the coming 40+ years.

The 2005 Mouton Rothschild is composed of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, and 1% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-brick in color, it soars from the glass with an opulent, flamboyant nose of blackcurrant cordial, black cherry preserves, and violets with licorice, espresso, and clove oil in the background. Medium to full-bodied, this is a more structured face of Mouton, delivering a firm backbone of ripe, grainy tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing long and decadent. Still so youthful, this is just the opening act for this show-stopper, but what an entrance! Drink it now to 2060+. Philippine de Rothchild was still in charge of the estate at this time and Philippe Dhalluin, who started in 2004, was the winemaker.