2008 Mouton Rothschild
By Chateau Mouton Rothschild
2008 Mouton Rothschild from Chateau Mouton Rothschild, Pauillac, Bordeaux
As one reflects upon the 2008 vintage from the illustrious Chateau Mouton Rothschild, a notable composition emerges from the historic Pauillac estate. It is important to approach this offering within the context of a year that presented winemakers with challenging weather conditions yet culminated in wines showcasing remarkable resilience and complexity.
Characteristics of a Prestigious Vintage
The 2008 Mouton Rothschild captures the essence of Pauillac terroir under strain, revealing how capable hands can coax both grace and muscle from adversity. Despite a capricious growing season, with a drear spring and a gruelling summer, autumn brought redemption with benevolent skies. The fruit achieved ripeness characterised by an extraordinary balance of tannins and acidity.
In one's glass, the wine unfurls with dark berry notes, underpinned by subtler traces of cigar box and graphite — an aromatic script that reads of meticulous vineyard stewardship and artful oenology.
Evolving with Elegance
The narrative of the 2008 vintage is one of evolving elegance. As it has matured, the wine reveals nuanced layers. On the palate, there's a fusion of blackcurrant and plum, weaving into hints of espresso and dark chocolate, crafting an intricate mosaic tethered to a sturdy backbone of Pauillac tannic structure.
In the broader scope of winery investment portfolios, the 2008 Mouton Rothschild becomes more than just wine — it represents astute historical acquisition. Its profile offers a juxtaposition: robust enough to stand as an investment piece yet sufficiently graceful to be thoroughly enjoyed if one decides to uncork its potential.
Concluding Thoughts on Investment Calibre
The 2008 vintage is testament to the commitment at Chateau Mouton Rothschild to create vintages that resonate with vigour and refinement through varied climatic narratives. This wine stands as a beacon amongst Bordeaux investments, revealing its latent grandeur as each year embodies sophistication distilled through time.
Market price (SGD)
$8,261.37
12x75cl
Highest score
95
POP score
329.93
Scores and tasting notes
A totally gorgeous wine. Femine and sexy. Flowery with lots of beautiful fruit and minerals. Gorgeous. Hints of chocolate. Full with a gorgeous balance of fruit and vanilla and long and gorgeous. Succulent and bright fruit. It’s 83 percent Cabernet Sauvignon and 17 percent Merlot. Best after 2015.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, December 20th 2010
Tasted ex-chateau and single blind in Southwold. Yes, I did score the Grand Vin a solitary point above the Grand Vin under blind conditions but hey, that’s how it goes. That should not detract from what is a superb Mouton. It is has a very intense nose with blackberry, wild strawberry, cedar and graphite, gregarious and vivacious. The palate is medium-bodied with firm grip, a lot of substance here with a keen thread of acidity. Multi-layered, fanning out marvellously on the fleshy, crisp finish this Mouton should leave that upstart “Le Petit Mouton” behind once it has a few laps on the odometer. Tasted January 2012.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Mar 2012
Tasted at the Mouton-Rothschild vertical in London, the 2008 Mouton Rothschild has always been in the shadow of the ensuing couple of vintages, but I was not the only person at this tasting that commented upon the class in show here. It replicated previous showings: cedar and graphite present and correct, though accompanied by something a little more exotic - eucalyptus maybe? The palate is beautifully balanced, very detailed and extremely fresh. This conveys so much energy and animation before reverting towards a more classic and structured, pencil lead finish. Those in the know will stash up on the 2008 Mouton Rothschild because it is destined to turn into one of the "dark horses" of the decade. Tasted May 2016.
Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 31 January 2017
The final blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon and 17% Merlot exhibits tell-tale black currant liqueur, incense, charcoal and floral-like characteristics. The oak is pushed to the background, one of the major improvements director Philippe Dalhuin has made at this estate. Full-bodied, deep and impressively endowed, it is a deep, rich, less massive effort than either the 2010 or 2009. This gorgeous Mouton will be drinkable in 4-5 years and age effortlessly for three decades.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #194 May 2011