2003 Mouton Rothschild
By Chateau Mouton Rothschild
2003 Mouton Rothschild from Chateau Mouton Rothschild, Pauillac, Bordeaux
Among the pantheon of illustrious Bordeaux vintages, the 2003 Mouton Rothschild from Chateau Mouton Rothschild is a beacon of climatic exceptionality shining through in its composition. In such an arduous season, where relentless heat waves brought about one of the most challenging growing climates in memory, the precision-farming and dedicated vineyard management of Chateau Mouton Rothschild bore magnificent fruit, literally and metaphorically.
Defying the Odds: A Vintage Character Defining Experience
The 2003 vintage in Bordeaux was anything but ordinary; it sculpted wines that boldly defy their growing conditions. Thus, the 2003 Mouton Rothschild emerges as an exemplar – a testament to the resilient terroir of Pauillac and the masterful execution of vinification processes. The meticulous selection afforded a wine that shows concentration without succumbing to the potential over-ripeness that beleaguered many lesser estates that year.
Epicurean Elegance in Investment-worthy Form
Savoury layers caressing opulent blackcurrant and crème de cassis enthral with secondary nuances coming to light; subtle tones of espresso, cedar, and spices make for a deeply layered drinking venture. On the palate, the wine offers a profound intensity paired with a supple tannic structure that underscores its ageing potential – a definitive characteristic sought after by fine wine investors.
The 2003 Mouton Rothschild holds an intoxicating allure in its seasoned evolution, remaining vibrant and remarkably fresh despite its age. It is a collector's gem, marrying rarity with prestige – attributes that render it a compelling addition to any sophisticated investment portfolio.
In closing, the 2003 Mouton Rothschild from Chateau Mouton Rothschild encapsulates an exceptional vintage with stunning survival instinct and evocative vitality. It tells the story of heroic viticulture triumphing over relentless Bordelais sun, gifting investors and aficionados alike with an unforgettable narrative in liquid form.
Market price (GBP)
£4,620.00
12x75cl
Highest score
95
POP score
308
Scores and tasting notes
Backward, powerful, and extremely tannic, the dense purple-colored 2003 Mouton-Rothschild, a blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot, fashioned from yields of 28 hectoliters per hectare, with a finished alcohol of 12.9%, improves dramatically with aeration. With full-bodied, meaty, powerful, dry flavors as well as a huge finish, this high class wine should be at its finest between 2012-2040+. During its sojourn in barrel, it reminded me of a hypothetical blend of the 1982 and 1986 Moutons, but since bottling, it appears different, and even more tannic than those two vintages. I still believe the finest recent Mouton-Rothschild is the 2000.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #164 April 2006
A beautiful intensity to this wine, flowers, plums, and freshness on the nose. Full and rich, with round ripe tannins and a medium finish. Flavors of fresh herbs, flowers, and tobacco on the palate. A lovely wine right now, but give this some more time. Pull the cork in 2014.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, April 25th 2011
Tasted at Bordeaux Index's "10-Year On" tasting in London. Comparing the Lafite-Rothschild and Latour with the Mouton-Rothschild, it is clear that it is lagging behind in terms of complexity and nuance, the growing season impinging upon the aromatics and dampening the fruit expression. The palate is medium-bodied with a supple, graphite tinged entry. It is nicely balanced but seems a little smudged towards the cedar-infused finish. This is a decent Mouton, though I prefer Latour and Lafite-Rothschild in this year. Tasted March 2013.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal May 2013
The 2003 harvest began on September 15 and finished ten days later. The result is an outstanding 2003 Mouton-Rothschild, but it is not one of the superstars of Pauillac or the Northern Médoc. Its nearby neighbors, Lafite-Rothschild, Cos d’Estournel and Montrose, all produced wines that qualitatively dominate this effort from Mouton-Rothschild. Nevertheless, there is a lot to like. The tannins, which were so tough initially, have softened somewhat, and the nose offers up notes of cedarwood, roasted coffee, tobacco leaf and red and blackcurrants. This spicy, earthy, fleshy, medium to full-bodied 2003 is not one of the stars of the vintage. It is close to full maturity, where it should remain for another 10-15 years.
Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 29 December 2014