Ch Mouton Rothschild was released this morning at £2,592 per 6 In Bond.
Managing Director Philippe Dhalluin was very pleased with the quality of the vintage across the Mouton Rothschild estates. He has described the wines as “very juicy, with a lot of flesh; they are rich without being over-alcoholic,” and that 2016 represents the best Petit Mouton ever made. He also said that 2016 “had more density than 2015, even if 2015 is exceptional too, so maybe people will prefer the 2016: it will be like 2009 and 2010.”
The 2016 was matured in 100% new oak barrels, and is a blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot and 1% each of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, which were co-vinified. This magnificent Mouton Rothschild has been quoted by the critics as a star performer of the vintage, several drawing comparisons with the legendary 1986.
“Tasted on two occasions, the second confirming that this is simply a magnificent wine.” 98-100 points, Neal Martin
“Phenomenal…Stupendous. Such precision and clarity. The new 1986 but better ” 100 points, James Suckling
“Shaping up to be one of the wines of the vintage.” 95-98+ points, Antonio Galloni
Ch Mouton Rothschild 1er Cru Pauillac 2016
£2,592.00 per 6 bottles IB
Arriving at Mouton Rothschild is one of the great excitements of the primeur week. Under Philippe Dhalluin and Hervé Gouin’s leadership, the 2016 is a fabulous example of everything that Mouton has to offer. A blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot and 1% each of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, it exudes boldness, richness and volume. Whilst deliciously intense, it is not to excess, just beautifully poised between ripe sweet black fruits, structured but balanced tannins, and subtle freshness on the finish. It is in the running to be one of the wines of the vintage. Drink 2027-2045. 97-98 points, Goedhuis & Co
It has a very intense bouquet with blackberry, raspberry, cold limestone and crushed violet aromas that if anything, appear to gain vigor with aeration in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with supple, juicy tannin. There is a lot of fruit packed into this Mouton-Rothschild and therefore one can feel the weight in the mouth, yet the acidity keeps everything on tip-toes. The finish has superb precision and opulence, completing a Mouton-Rothschild that will rivet you to the spot. Tasted on two occasions, the second confirming that this is simply a magnificent wine. Whichever artist eventually designs the label is going to be drinking well. Drink Date 2026 – 2065. 98-100 points, Neal Martin
This is a phenomenal, muscular red that shows incredible power and depth. Full-bodied and with great concentration of tannins but this remains agile and polished. The form to this is stupendous. Such precision and clarity. The new 1986 but better. 100 points, James Suckling
On first impression, the 2016 Mouton Rothschild is incredibly reminiscent of the 1986, especially in its aromatics. On the palate, the 2016 naturally reflects the more finessed personality of the year as well as 30 years of continual refinements in vineyard and cellar work. Graphite, grilled herbs, smoke, crème de cassis, bittersweet chocolate and ripe plums are some of the many flavors that flesh out in the glass in an utterly captivating, exquisite Mouton that I had to taste twice and then directly from barrel because of its pure allure. Although it is early, the 2016 Mouton is shaping up to be one of the wines of the vintage. 95-98+, Antonio Galloni
For the 2016 vintage, Philippe Dhalluin and his team have wrought a big, rich Mouton full of seductive grilled coffee bean, slate, graphite, tight cassis and bilberry. This has depth and impact and closely approaches the 2010. Astonishing! Clearly powerful but with the beauty and flourish of Mouton. It is a long lasting wine, just stretching out endlessly in front of you. The tannins are ever present and precise with a sweetness to them and a satin edge. This is 100% new oak, but has that 2016 trick of seeming perfectly integrated already. A wine to age then sink into on some happy future date. 98 points, Jane Anson, Decanter
A very intriguing, luxurious nose, studded with plum and damson fruit is underlined with a hugely focussed and powerful core of fruit which has masses of energy and depth. The oak is very evident but this is perfectly matched to the fruit and the whole package is immensely long. There are some dried fruit notes here and also some drier tannins, too, but this is a fantastic wine with serious gravitas. 19.5+ points, Matthew Jukes