2004 Mouton Rothschild
By Chateau Mouton Rothschild
2004 Mouton Rothschild from Chateau Mouton Rothschild, Pauillac, Bordeaux
In the patchwork quilt of vintages from Bordeaux, the 2004 Mouton Rothschild from Chateau Mouton Rothschild, weaves an intricate tapestry. With its navigations through the nuanced climatic unpredictability of a formidable viticulture region such as Pauillac, the 2004 vintage speaks to the accomplished adaptability of its maker.
Genteel Assurance in a Variable Climate
The year 2004 saw Bordeaux grapple with erratic weather, yet Chateau Mouton Rothschild displayed a touch akin to artistic mastery in viniculture. The estate's dedication to harmonising with nature's whims resulted in a sophisticated expression of Pauillac's heralded terroir; one that stands on its own stage when placed within the broader ensemble of Mouton Rothschild vintages.
A Study in Composure and Depth
The 2004 Mouton Rothschild resonates with a balance that belies the vagaries of its harvest year. It offers an elegantly structured palate layered with cassis and dark cherry nuances, infused with subtle undertones of graphite and spice derived from precise oak integrations. This patient choreography of flavours matures slowly, unwinding into a supple dance of aromatics in the glass, mirroring the gentle ebb and flow one has come to anticipate from Bordeaux at its most introspective.
For connoisseurs considering timeless additions to their fine wine portfolios, this classic Pauillac charmer presents itself as a distinguished candidate for long-term appreciation—both for investment returns and poised maturity towards a graceful peak.
Concluding Notes: When Prudence Befriends Elegance
The story of 2004 witnessed Chateau Mouton Rothschild harnessing the seasons’ caprices with aplomb. This vintage exhibits a poised defiance against climatic challenges, manifesting in a drop that singularly encapsulates both the prowess of its creators and the stoic resilience typical of the region's supreme vinicultural endeavours. One would be remiss not to include such an articulate representation of Pauillac's virtues within the realms of discerning wine investment collections.
Market price (GBP)
£4,120.00
12x75cl
Highest score
94
POP score
294.29
Scores and tasting notes
On the nose there's coffee and chocolate aromas with hints of vanilla. Super fruity, and its medium body is coupled with beautifully soft tannins. This is just coming around now and it's very New World in style. Overall, a much overlooked vintage from Mouton.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, August 14th 2013
It is probably unfair to appraise this wine with more mature siblings. It has a deep garnet core. There is good intensity on the nose with cedar, tobacco, pine forest and blackberry leaf. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins, quite masculine and obdurate at the moment with a grainy, austere finish. Moderate length. It needs to muster more charm but I remain cautiously optimistic. Tasted February 2011.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal May 2011
I can’t say much for the painting by Prince Charles on the label, but what’s in the bottle is a powerful, classic, dense ruby/purple-hued Mouton with a full-bodied style, brutal tannin, impressive concentration, and a primordial backwardness that will require 10-15 years of cellaring. Built along the lines of a modern day 1966 or 1988, the 2004 reveals plenty of power and concentration, but the biting tannins will preclude any enjoyable consumption over the next decade. Anticipated maturity: 2020-2035. Also tasted: 2004 Le Petit Mouton (87)
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #171 June 2007
Last tasted three or four years ago, the 2004 Mouton-Rothschild is a satisfactory wine, even if in my opinion it pales again subsequent success in so-called "challenging" vintages such as 2006 or 2008. It came across tight and broody on the nose, a hint of seaweed tincturing the black fruit, later on a whiff of smoke. It does not feel as refined as either the 2004 Lafite-Rothschild or the 2004 Latour. The palate is medium-bodied and shows more class than the aromatics: cohesive and with just the right amount of grip, a little chewy perhaps but with a pleasant saline sensation towards the "correct" finish. It ticks all the boxes but does not go that extra mile. Tasted September 2016.
Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 28 February 2017