Château Mouton Rothschild 2021

A distinctive Mouton of unusual character, not, as so often, devoted to opulence but to freshness and balance, with great, sinewy length and a fruity, peppery finish.

The 2021 Mouton Rothschild unwinds in the glass with rich aromas of dark berries and minty cassis mingled with espresso roast, dark chocolate, smoked meats and toasty new oak. It has taken on weight with élevage in barrel, exhibiting a full-bodied, rich and layered palate that's impressively muscular and multidimensional, with a deep core of fruit and plenty of sweet, powdery structuring tannin, concluding with a long, discreetly carnal finish.

Concentrated and characterful, layered and super-finely presented. Round and full, juicy and textured, more powdery than tense and grippy, with an almost blackcurrant-skin texture, while juicy red and black cherry juice runs through the core, joined by dried mint, wet stones, clove and liquorice. Serious, with power but poise, all the elements on show – perhaps not quite settled, but each one revealing the complexity of this great wine in the making.

This shows blackcurrants, blackberries, violets, lavender, pencil shavings and hints of metal shavings. Medium- to full-bodied with a firm and juicy character of extremely polished and integrated tannins that caress your palate. Compact and poised with tension and focus. A blend of 89% cabernet sauvignon, 10% merlot and 1% cabernet franc. 13.1% alcohol. Drink after 2029.

Cuban cigars, black currants, spice, smoke, thyme, cedar chest, flowers, and blackberries, with barely a hint of espresso on the nose. The full-bodied wine shows soft textures, gentle tannins, freshness, polish, and energy. Refined and forward, with a slight chewiness to the fruit on the finish, give this 5–7 or more years in the cellar and it will deliver plenty of classic Mouton Rothschild charm. This will evolve for at least 2–3 decades with ease. The wine is a blend of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, and 1% Cabernet Franc, 13.1% ABV. The harvest took place from September 25 to October 6. Drink from 2030–2060.

Dark ruby, deep core, purple reflections, subtle watery rim. A very inviting bouquet with ripe black forest fruits, hints of tobacco and nougat, underlaid with cassis and mint, and just a touch of orange in the background. Compact on the palate with juicy cherries, fresh acidity, mineral and rich in finesse, supported by fine, silky tannins, giving the wine length and a very lively finish. Already approachable and seductive, but it should be allowed to mature for a few more years. (8/1/2024, cellar +40)

As to the Grand Vin 2021 Château Mouton Rothschild, this beauty is in the running for one of the wines of the vintage, and it brings more depth, richness, and texture than just about anything else in the Médoc. A blend of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, and 1% Cabernet Franc that was brought up in new barrels, it sports a dense purple/plum hue as well as powerful aromatics of spicy black fruits, leafy tobacco, graphite, and freshly sharpened pencils. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it has a building, layered mouthfeel and impressive concentration and intensity in its aromas and flavors, velvety tannins, and gorgeous finish. You'd be hard pressed to know this came from a challenging vintage. It's going to take at least 5-7 years to hit the early stages of its prime drinking window and will evolve gracefully over the following 20-25 years. Bravo. For tech geeks out there, this hit 13.1% alcohol, has an IPT of 59, and a pH of 3.73.

Kunz barrel sample 2022: (89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc, 13.1% alc./vol.) Velvety, dense, complex, seductive, fruity, creamy bouquet; cassis cream, mint candy, cedar, dark tobacco, various herbs. Concentrated, layered, aromatic, fresh palate with a creamy, dense, multi-layered structure, powerful, dark, fresh aromatics, plenty of fine tannins, very long, dense, powerful finish with many lingering flavors.

(89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc, 13.1% alc./vol.) Velvety, dense, complex, seductive, fruity, creamy bouquet: cassis cream, mint candy, cedar, dark tobacco, various herbs. Concentrated, layered, aromatic, fresh palate with a creamy, dense, multi-layered structure; powerful, dark, fresh aromatics; plenty of fine tannins; very long, dense, powerful finish with lingering afterflavors. 20/20 2032 - 2070

Inky depths to the color, with sweetened black cherry, damson and cassis fruit, and clear crushed rose petals, along with grilled rosemary, espresso, cocoa and sage. It offers a generosity often lacking in the vintage; this stays true to Mouton character and signature and, even in the more classic style of the year, it is full of beauty. 100% new oak, 41 hl/ha yield. Harvest from September 25 to October 6. The first vintage carried from start to finish by Jean-Emmanuel Danjoy, following Philippe Dhalluin’s retirement.

On the nose, the wine has an immediate synesthetic effect, like a ladder, with aromas positioned at different heights. You almost feel as if you’re looking up and down to catch the different notes it throws at you. Violets and roses soar skyward, while very pure, purple-toned fruits linger at the base. The sapidity is immense, almost buzzing like a bee. A bright, flamboyant nose with clearly defined red and pink fruits, dominated by a wild-strawberry note, as if strolling through a forest. Full and generous on the palate, sensual, it is shaped by a refreshing, well-drawn framework that echoes the precise fruit on the nose. On the palate, the fruits have a succulent sweetness. The wine is voluptuous in the mouth, caressing the entire interior while remaining airy and weightless. On the palate as on the nose, the different aromas move quickly, creating a complex harmony, with beautiful fruit, sapid flowers, chiseled minerality and a chalky finish, all driven by that vibrant energy.

What freshness and fruity intensity in the bouquet of Mouton 2021! I have rarely perceived it so fresh, fruity, youthful, and assertive! Of course, it shows its élevage, but here it is above all supportive. It thus provides an ideal platform for the whole aromatic profile, whether in terms of terroir, spices, or fruit. The notion of precision is clearly conveyed on the palate as well. The wine combines charm, power, and freshness. I do find it less deep than usual, yet more dynamic nonetheless! A very serene Mouton Rothschild.

Dark, intense and beautiful color. Very aromatic nose, fine, fruity, pure, subtle and, for the first time at this age, floral. Meticulous on the attack yet full-bodied, the wine caresses the palate—particularly well-constructed, juicy, sapid and noble. It progresses complete and deep toward a long, complex finish, with an astonishing fleshiness. It’s superb. Blend: 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc. Alcohol: 13.1% – pH: 3.73 – IPT 59. Harvest from September 29 to October 6.

We return to Mouton’s classic balance, defined by precise structure and an unexpectedly creamy finish. A subtle, complex palette behind the beautiful purple hue: crushed raspberry and blackcurrant, liquorice, blood orange, fresh spices. Fine, caressing tannins, and a lively tasting momentum.

95–97. Barrel Sample. Big, rich and sumptuously smoky, this has density and power. Its blackberry tones are structured, with a core of tannins. This very fine wine has all the classic attributes of a Mouton, just slightly lighter.