2018 Mouton Rothschild
By Chateau Mouton Rothschild
2018 Mouton Rothschild from Chateau Mouton Rothschild, Pauillac, Bordeaux
Acclaimed for crafting wines that are the quintessence of Pauillac prowess, the 2018 Mouton Rothschild from Chateau Mouton Rothschild is a scintillating demonstration of this storied estate's adeptness at harnessing a challenging season. The vintage was marked by a year of extremes, an initial burst of rain succeeded by a glorious summer which forged wines of intensity and depth.
Unveiling Complexity: A Season of Contrast
The harvest unfolded under near ideal circumstances, enabling the cultivated berries to achieve optimal maturity. This fortunate turn of climatic events endowed the 2018 Mouton Rothschild with a concentration and structure which set it dynamically apart from prior years. The wine's deliverance from a season so variable is demonstrative of both nature's serendipities and winemaking virtuosity.
Investment Potential in Liquid Artistry
The artful blend of classic Pauillac grapes — dominantly Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot and touches of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot — expressed through the lens of 2018 proves it to be an intricate canvas for collectors and connoisseurs alike. Subtle scents of blackcurrant, cedarwood and cigar-box aromas segue into an opulent palate where sumptuous tannins lace layers of dark berry fruits with hints of chocolate and coffee nuances, promising remarkable ageing potential.
As a fine wine investment prospectus, the 2018 Mouton Rothschild from Chateau Mouton Rothschild radiates allure. Its robust frame and textured complexity provided by the 2018 conditions are expected to culminate in beautiful maturation over the decades; making it an imposing candidate for any portfolio.
In Summation: An Investment-grade Vintage
In my four decades of fervent vintage analysis, seldom have I encountered such harmony between forceful character and poised elegance as is embodied in the 2018 Mouton Rothschild. The finesse with which 2018's adversities were sculpted into this masterwork solidifies its investment gravitas. It stands testament to the distinguished lineage of Chateau Mouton Rothschild, offering a vinous pivot where the artistry of the vintner and whim of nature coalesce majestically into an investment-worthy collectible.
Market price (SGD)
$8,060.00
12x75cl
Highest score
100
POP score
241.5
Scores and tasting notes
I am a little bit speechless about this one. I have not seen such earthy and totally deep character of the soil in a young Mouton in my career. Of course, I didn’t taste 1945 or 1959 when they were young, but I have been lucky enough to have a few bottles in my life. There is really terroir-driven character to this. Layered and so intense with polished and incredible tannins.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com - April 2019
The 2018 Mouton Rothschild is a blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc—there is also a splash of all the Petit Verdot they had, but it doesn’t even register in the percentage. It has 13.8% alcohol, which is relatively modest for the vintage. Deep garnet-purple colored, it straight away pops with bright, vivacious notes of crushed blackcurrants, juicy blackberries and redcurrant jelly with slowly emerging nuances of candied violets, stewed plums, licorice and black tea, plus a waft of dusty red soil. The medium-bodied palate is built like a brick house with super firm, super ripe, grainy tannins and bold freshness supporting the muscular black fruits, finishing long and savory with lingering mineral suggestions. This is so, so delicious and, due to the ripeness of tannins, approachable now. It will be difficult to keep your mitts off it for a good 5-7 years, when all those tightly tucked away nuances should begin to emerge. After that, it should improve over the course of 25 years or more and drink for 40+.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 31 March 2021
This has incredible persistency and density of flavour in 2018. It’s extremely well knitted with everything drawn out and taut through the mid palate, slowly layering on the succulent, plump notes of damson, juice-filled blackberries, charcoal, menthol, cigar box, pencil lead and black chocolate that is a signature of the vintage. I always love that this property shares the same gravel-filled plateau as Lafite and yet the two have such different personalities and interpretations of vintages – with Mouton here absorbing the richness of the year and adding a touch of glamour into the wine as always. The alcohol, while still very balanced compared to most in the vintage, is unusually high at Mouton because, as managing director Philippe Dhalluin says; ‘usually the poor soils at Mouton mean the grapes make tannins but not sugar, but in 2018 they made both’. There is the tiniest touch of Petit Verdot in the blend but under 1% so it’s not in the official figures. 100% new oak which has been beautifully integrated. 62% of production went into the grand vin. 3.78pH. 88IPT. The artist design for the 2018 label will be revealed later. 98-100 points.
Jane Anson - Decanter - April 2019
The 2018 Mouton Rothschild is composed of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc—there is also a splash of all the Petit Verdot they had, but it doesn’t even register in the percentage. Grapes were harvested September 10 to October 3, and the wine was blended at the beginning of December; it has 13.8% alcohol, and the tannins were slightly higher this year. Deep purple-black in color, it is a little closed to begin compared to some 2018s, slowly unfurling to reveal a profound nose of warm black plums, blackcurrant cordial, star anise, blueberry pie and mocha with suggestions of candied violets, oolong tea, camphor and unsmoked cigars plus a touch of crushed rocks. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers waves of opulent, spiced black and blue fruits with seamless acid lifting this gorgeous mouthfeel that is at once plush from the ripe fruit and firm and grainy from the super ripe tannins, finishing very long and wonderfully creamy.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 23rd April 2019
The 2018 Mouton Rothschild is dense and unctuous in the glass, with striking textural depth and plenty of overall intensity. Super-ripe dark cherry, plum, spice, leather and sweet spice infuse a Mouton that stands out for its unctuousness and fruit intensity. There is plenty of tannin, but it is nearly buried by the sheer voluptuousness of the fruit. In 2018, Mouton is radiant, sensual and impeccable in its balance, even if it doesn't possess the sheer visceral thrill, energy or pedigree of truly great vintages. The blend is 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc.
Antonio Galloni - Vinous - April 2019