95-100 / 100
Noncontractual photograph
The artist Gu Gang was asked to create a unique work for this 1996 vintage. The Château Mouton Rothschild label was designed in an Asian atmosphere. The Chinese painter and calligrapher brings together in his drawing five ideograms which all signify the heart, varying the color and line for each. The result, both poetic and subtle, which he named "Heart to Heart", is an act of trust in universal harmony.
Château Mouton Rothschild 1996 is a powerful, fruity wine, with touches of fresh mint, wood and floral notes. This Premier Cru Classé is made from 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc.
Vintage | Wine 1996 |
Classification | Médoc - 1er Cru Classé |
Region | Bordeaux |
Appellation | Pauillac |
Colour | Red |
Volume | 0.75 l |
Country | France |
Château | Château Mouton Rothschild |
Country | France |
Mouton Rothschild is arguably one of the best-known wine estates in the world. In AOC Pauillac, since 1973 it has been First Classified Growth in the official classification of Bordeaux wines of 1855.
Bought in 1853 by Nathaniel de Rothschild, Brane Mouton became legendary under the name of Château Mouton-Rothschild. It is with the advent of Baron Philippe de Rothschild that Mouton really becomes the monumental 1er Cru that it is today. Mouton Rothschild 1945 and 1982 are among their finest vintages. In addition to the construction of cellars and buildings, and the accession to Premier Cru status, it is the passion of a lifetime rediscovered in action by this exceptional man.
Classified as a Second Classified Growth in 1855, Château Mouton Rothschild has been a Premier Classified Growth since 1973. Its motto "First not then, second not deign, Mouton am" thus became "First I am, second I was, Mouton does not change".
The elegance and magic of this wine have thus charmed the greatest contemporary artists who, each year, illustrate with their art the priceless wines of Mouton by creating an original work on the label. Château D'Armailhac and Château Clerc Milon follow in the footsteps of this quality concern of the Rothschild family.
The great vintages of Château Mouton Rothschild are: 1994, 1989, 1986, 1985, 1983, 1982, 1970, 1966, 1962, 1961, 1959, 1955, 1953, 1949, 1947, 1945
>> See all the Crus Classés of Médoc classification in 1855
Margaux
LES TOURELLES DE LONGUEVILLE 1996
Pauillac
Champagne
Saint Emilion
Saint Estèphe
Saint Estèphe
Saint Julien
Pomerol
(09-2007)
(10-2019) The last time I tasted the 1996 Mouton Rothschild (maybe a couple of years ago?), I recall it was a bit broody and closed. This showing was anything but! Deep garnet in color, it sashays out of the glass with lavishly dressed, gregarious crème de cassis, baked blackberries and plum pudding scents plus touches of menthol, fenugreek, star anise and sandalwood with fleeting glimpses at dried rose petals and oolong tea. The full-bodied palate is richly fruited, opulent and oh-so seductive, with bags of youthful black fruit and lovely finely grained tannins, finishing with fantastic freshness and length.
(09-2021) The standout wine at the tasting. Concentration and opulence on the palate, still retaining intense cassis notes. Youthful, deep purple in the glass. Mint notes on the nose work beautifully with the glossy but restrained oak. Still has plenty of acidity giving freshness to the palate, luxurious tannins suggest this still has a long way to go. Distinctly classy. (AWH)
(09-2019) A gorgeous, powerful Mouton that has wonderful concentration and focus. Filled with cedar and savory spices with firm, ripe tannins. A powerful wine that is just starting to open.
(03-2021) Seemingly close to fully-developed, the wine is medium/full-bodied with a catchy display of tobacco leaf, cedar, cigar box, spice, forest leaf, herbs and red currants. Most of the tannins feel melted away. Soft, chewy, spicy and fresh with an herb, spice and cedar tint to the red fruits, this is quite nice for drinking today.