2002 Mouton Rothschild
By Chateau Mouton Rothschild
2002 Mouton Rothschild from Chateau Mouton Rothschild, Pauillac, Bordeaux
In the splendid tapestry of Bordeaux's storied vintages, the 2002 Mouton Rothschild from Chateau Mouton Rothschild weaves its unique thread with a composition that intrigues and challenges the conventional palate. As one traverses the pantheon of Pauillac's grand offerings, this particular vintage stands as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of a fine wine investment.
Characterising A Cool-Climate Vintage
The growing season of 2002 in Pauillac was marked by climatic whimsy; a desolate spring gave way to a less than generous summer. The saving grace arrived in September - a late flourish of warmth invited the Cabernet Sauvignon-led blend to reach a modest yet respectable maturation. It is in these more exacting conditions that the master vintners at Chateau Mouton Rothschild exercised their esteemed craft to its fullest.
An Investment for the Discerning Collector
This 2002 Mouton Rothschild bears an aristocratic grace that belies its challenging birthright. The colour, a deeply hued garnet intimates at the concentrated flavours within. On the nose, one finds hints of crème de cassis and ripe black cherries accompanied by savoury earth tones and cedarwood, indicative of its regal breeding. The palate presents an intricate lacework of blackcurrant and tobacco leaf, beautifully interlaced with tannins that speak more to refinement than austerity.
The resilience shown during its formative months is translated into an impressive cellar potential; this is a wine crafted not for immediate gratification but for the patient investor. Its structure and depth suggest that it will unfold elegantly over time, offering windows of discovery for those with the foresight to embrace this sleeper vintage.
To summarise, whilst not sitting amongst the most opulent of years, the 2002 Mouton Rothschild captures a moment of vinicultural alchemy where challenge was met with triumph. It offers a distinct tasting profile throughput its evolving life in the bottle— a compelling narrative for collectors and investors alike. This vintage from Chateau Mouton Rothschild is for the connoisseur appreciating subtlety over bravado, complexity over immediacy—a truly thoughtful addition to any collection.
Market price (GBP)
£3,980.00
12x75cl
Highest score
93
POP score
306.15
Scores and tasting notes
Tasted blind at Farr’s 2002 Bordeaux tasting. The nose on this wine is tightly-coiled, holding something back for later, but you can coax out some attractive aromas of blackberry, tobacco, saddle-leather and pine cones. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins, not quite as refined as Latour, but certainly coalescing in the glass beautifully with a wonderfully poised, almost feminine finish that caresses the palate. Lovely. Tasted October 2009.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Jan 2010
Dense purple to the rim, this wine exhibits the classic cassis aroma that is so characteristic of Mouton. Medium to full-bodied, tannic, powerful, and cut somewhat from the 1988 mold, this is a backward, chewy, well-endowed Mouton-Rothschild that will require considerable patience from those who purchase it. A blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot, the wine needs a good decade of cellaring. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2030+.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #158 April 2005
Tasted blind as a vintage comparison at the Valandraud vertical, the 2002 Mouton-Rothschild is a wine that burned brightly in its youth, though recent encounters suggest that maybe it is beginning to flag as it enters what you might call middle age. Here, it has a conservative bouquet with blackberry, cedar, warm bricks and melted tar aromas - an unfussy, uncomplicated, quite serious Pauillac bouquet. The palate is well balanced with crisp acidity. It feels lively on the entry with fine tannin, a Mouton that is nimble on its feet with a gentle grip towards the finish, which offers a satisfying aftertaste of spice and clove. It does not mirror some of the outstanding bottles I consumed within the first decade of its life, and peering into this First Growth, it is difficult to see whether it will repay those who cellar it longer. Tasted December 2016.
Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 28 February 2017