Château Mouton Rothschild, 1er Cru Classé, Pauillac, 2011

Tasting Note:

Subtlety and refinement are not necessarily what one expects when visiting Mouton. Often primeur samples are brooding beasts, which require a crystal ball to evaluate. The 2011 is the most charming and elegant example we can remember tasting. It may not compete with Latour and Lafite for sheer power, but what it lacks in extract, it more than makes up for with floral, fragrant fruit. Notes of sweet earth, minerals, flowers, pencil shavings and spice lead to a demure palate with wonderful texture, great extract and unforced, elegant flavours. This is all about refinement, but the flavours are persistent and whilst it doesn't look like a blockbuster, it has all the materials to age well for decades. A refreshing and sensual Mouton Rothschild produced from 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc.