Château Mouton Rothschild, 1er Cru Classé, Pauillac, 2012
This is not a typically, brooding, monumental Mouton. Produced from 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc, there is a charm and delicacy to the 2012 Mouton. Notes of liquorice, fine herbs, dandelions, stoney minerals, cèpe, forest fruits, anise, kirsch and cinnamon come after a little coaxing. The palate at first seems a little understated, but there is a lot of underlying power and concentration. Flavours build to a hedonistic crescendo, with layer upon layer of classic Pauillac aromas: cigar box, cassis and cut flowers. There are very persistent, long, slightly wild, expansive flavours and svelte, sexy tannins. A hugely impressive wine.
critic reviews
The 2012 Mouton-Rothschild is now drinking beautifully. Black and blue fruit on the nose, with touches of potpourri and graphite, this certainly had no intention of being overshadowed by the 1961. Still youthful, the aromatics suggest another three or four years in bottle will do it no harm. Likewise, the palate remains youthful though less “glossy” than previous examples as it slowly matures. Wonderful delineation and delivering a crescendo of flavors towards the finish, this is a great modern Mouton-Rothschild that, compared to more lauded vintages, could represent an astute acquisition.
Medium to deep garnet colored, the 2012 Mouton Rothschild gallops out with bold, energetic notes of warm cassis, blackberry preserves, and sandalwood, leading to hints of underbrush, charcuterie, and cedar chest. Medium-bodied, the palate has a taut structure of grainy tannins and seamless freshness supporting the muscular fruit, finishing very long and lifted.
Tender tannins, grilled cedar, gunsmoke and cigar box welcoming you in. The fruits are raspberry puree, black cherry layered with smoked caramel, rose petals and violet, spralling out of the glass, waves of flavour alongside crushed rock minerality. This is so well judged, showcasing how in the less 'perfect' vintages the First Growths really earn their stripes. Excellent quality, and as is signature with the vintage, will be ready earlier than the more concentrated years. Harvest October 1 to 15, with just under half of the overall production in the 1st wine. 100% new oak for ageing.