2016 Mouton Rothschild

Tobacco, dark chocolate, black currants, wet earth and wet leaves on the nose. This is exceptional, structured yet toned down by remarkable detail and length, complemented by vibrant acidity. Focused and precise, with delineated fruit, acidity and tannins all adding definition and length. Approachable now, but best in another five years. 10 Years On retrospective.

The grilled cedar and campfire smoke settles in over the opening moments, and this radiates a generosity and glamour that not all the top 2016s are showing right now. Very much on the dark autumnal fruits, with expertly-judged estate and vintage signature, adding up to a hugely successful wine. Fresh pomegranate and orange peel acidities punctuate the bilberry, damson and cassis fruits on the palate, impressive grip and a ton of unfurling conversation still in front of it. 100% new oak, Philippe Dhalluin director.

I believe the 2016 Château Mouton Rothschild will be one of the legendary wines of the 21st century, and it might be the finest wine I've ever tasted. Still deep purple-hued and incredibly young, it offers an incredible sense of purity and precision in its darker currant, blueberry, and cassis-like fruits as well as classic graphite, lead pencil, violet, and tobacco aromatics. With flawless balance and perfect integration of its fruit, acidity, oak, and tannins, this concentrated, full-bodied, utterly magical Pauillac is going to need 15 years to hit its prime drink window, and I suspect will see its 75th birthday in fine form. The blend is 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, and 1% each Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.