1990 Mouton Rothschild
By Chateau Mouton Rothschild
1990 Mouton Rothschild from Chateau Mouton Rothschild, Pauillac, Bordeaux
The Pauillac appellation within the renowned Bordeaux region celebrates wines that epitomise the magnificence of their pedigree. In this hierarchy of distinguished vintages, the 1990 Mouton Rothschild from Chateau Mouton Rothschild emerges as an illustrious embodiment of balance, structure, and aromatic complexity.
A Year Shaped by Nature's Caprice
The year 1990 bestowed prodigious conditions upon Bordeaux's vineyards. The culmination of a hot summer and timely rainfall just before harvest gave rise to grapes that carried both optimal ripeness and preserved acidity—a dual boon rarely harmonised in such synchrony. It is these unique climatic influences that carved this particular vintage into a stellar year for wine aficionados and investors alike.
The Quintessence of Pauillac
On the palate, the 1990 Mouton Rothschild relays a symposium of blackcurrant, sweet cherries, and subtle oak nuances—teasing an undercurrent of exotic spices that pays homage to its superior ageing potential. Tannins, though mellowed through the decades, still retain a tenacious grip, while the intricate harmony between fruit and earth-born characters etches a narrative of terroir-driven finesse.
An Age-Defying Tapestry
This vintage transcends mere sensory pleasure to embody an artefact of viticultural history. The acumen behind the vinification process is evident in its continued evolution in bottle. The 1990 Mouton Rothschild offers a complex profile that joins vibrant youthfulness with the gracefulness of maturity—an ensemble only achieved through the deft craftsmanship at Chateau Mouton Rothschild.
The storied lineage of the wine has only cemented its standing as a magnetic prospect for investment. With each passing year, it draws nearer to its apex yet shows no semblance of decline—highlighting the acuity required to discern and appreciate a venerable vintage from Pauillac’s esteemed lineage. As it marks over three decades since its harvest, the 1990 Mouton Rothschild remains an unwavering testament to the longevity and grandeur that define Bordeaux's finest offerings.
Market price (GBP)
£3,140.00
12x75cl
Highest score
90
POP score
314
Scores and tasting notes
This has always been a disappointing Mouton considering the vintage, although this is probably the best bottle, poured at La Paulee in Meursault. It remains rather lean and stalky on the nose, dry on the palate entry with notes of blackberry leaf and mulberry, with touches of tobacco. It is better balanced than I recall, yet it lacks vigour and backbone, as if it is unwilling to go that extra mile and reach the level one expects of Mouton. Not as hollow as other bottles but remaining leafy on the foursquare finish with moderate length, I would definitely opt for the superior '89. Drink now-2015. Tasted November 2008.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal May 2009
Notorious for not living up to the estate’s nor the vintage’s reputations, I have to say this 1990 Mouton Rothschild was not looking nearly as bad as I was expecting. This was a hot, dry vintage, which can be a challenge for vines on such free-draining soils as the deep gravel-mounds composing the backbone of Mouton’s vineyards. The effect of the struggling vines is apparent in the wine, yielding less density and chewier tannins. Nonetheless, the terroir's pedigree clearly glimmers in the background. The wine displays a brick color with subtle, compellingly elegant redcurrant jelly, dried cranberries and powdered cinnamon notes plus wafts of potpourri, dried figs, unsmoked cigars and dusty soil. Medium-bodied, it is notably far more delicately fruited than one would expect of Mouton, structured with bold freshness and a light chew of tannins before finishing on a mineral note. Indeed, it is skinny compared to great vintages, but it is aging gracefully. For readers who love those soft-spoken, more delicately expressed styles, this one’s for you!
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 31 October 2019
For a first-growth, this is an unqualified failure. It's hard to know what went wrong, but after numerous tastings it is clear that this is a superficial, light Mouton that is already revealing some pink around the edge. Fresh menthol-infused red and black fruit notes are present, but the wine is medium-bodied and dry with an angular, austere finish. Very disappointing. Release price: ($1500.00/case)
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #183 Jun 2009