1996 Mouton Rothschild
By Chateau Mouton Rothschild
1996 Mouton Rothschild from Chateau Mouton Rothschild, Pauillac, Bordeaux
Amidst the pantheon of Bordeaux vintages, the 1996 Mouton Rothschild from Chateau Mouton Rothschild stands as a paragon of vinous excellence. This exceptional harvest from the illustrious Pauillac appellation will undoubtedly entrance enthusiasts and sommeliers alike with its maturation into a sublime emblem of the region's prowess.
A Timeless Year for the Connoisseur's Cellar
The vintage conditions of 1996 were marked by an exceptional growing season that set the stage for what has emerged as one of the superlative expressions of Chateau Mouton Rothschild's craft. A moderate winter followed by a timely and warm spring encouraged excellent budbreak and flowering, leading to a prolonged summer. The resultant grapes bore concentrated flavours, rousing aficionados to invest in this splendid year.
An Oenophile’s Tapestry of Complexity and Elegance
The 1996 Mouton Rothschild is remarkable for its intricate layering; a compelling canvass upon which time has skilfully wrought its influences. Its bouquet exudes rich notes of cassis and tobacco, entwined harmoniously with nuances of pencil lead and subtle toast destined to captivate even the most discerning palate. On sipping, one finds a tannic backbone that has softened with time into a regal structure, guiding exuberant dark fruit flavours through to a prolonged and gratifying finish.
This vintage not only resonates with the sensory dimensions but also carries an astute investment potential—an appreciable asset within any prestigious portfolio. Profoundly embodied with the heritage of Pauillac terroir, it narrates a story that grows ever more enchanting as it unfolds year after year in bottle.
Paving the Path for Future Generations
As I recall my first encounter with the 1996 Mouton Rothschild shortly after its release and now reflecting upon its journey over nearly three decades, it becomes clear that this wine is here not merely to exist but to evolve. It's a poignant reminder of nature's abundance when harmonised with human expertise. This offering from Chateau Mouton Rothschild is an extraordinary canvas on which time has painted its indelible strokes, asserting once more why this cellar cornerstone maintains its perennial allure for investors and connoisseurs alike.
Market price (HKD)
HK$51,010.00
12x75cl
Highest score
97
POP score
314.12
Scores and tasting notes
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. This was tasted from jeroboam in September 2019.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 31 October 2019
Tasted several times in recent months, this is a great Mouton, perhaps the finest of the decade. It has a straight down the line, classic graphite tinged nose with plenty of black fruit to go round, the sous-bois and cedar element unfurling with each swirl of the glass. The palate is still youthful after 16 years with firm, slightly rigid tannins that require another couple of years to soften. It is an upright, rather aristocratic Mouton with a reserved, aloof and yet compelling finish. Quintessential Pauillac, one that deserves a little more time in the cellar. Tasted November 2012.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Mar 2013
Fabulous on the nose with aromas of currants, cedar, sweet tobacco, incense, and flowers. Full-bodied, with very fine silky tannins and similar flavors as the aromas. A slightly green undertone on the palate. Drink now. Decant an hour before serving.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, August 9th 2013
This estate's staff believes that the 1996 Mouton-Rothschild is very complex. I agree that among the first-growths, this wine is showing surprising forwardness and complexity in its aromatics. It possesses an exuberant, flamboyant bouquet of roasted coffee, cassis, smoky oak, and soy sauce. The impressive 1996 Mouton-Rothschild offers impressive aromas of black currants, framboise, coffee, and new saddle leather. This full-bodied, ripe, rich, concentrated, superbly balanced wine is paradoxical in the sense that the aromatics suggest a far more evolved wine than the flavors reveal. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2030. By the way, the 1996 blend consists of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, and 8% Cabernet Franc.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #122 April 1999