Château Mouton Rothschild, 1er Cru Classé, Pauillac, 2016

Philippe Dhalluin and his team should be very proud of their 2016 range, and in particular the sensational Mouton Rothschild. This is a textbook Mouton, a brooding, introverted leviathan that has been tamed and put into a Saville Row suit. Produced from 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, there is initially some florality, pure Cabernet fruit and a touch of exotic spice. Initially this appears somewhat reticent, however, as with all great Moutons, patience is required. The more one coaxes it, the more one rewarded. There is a tremendous latent power here; a calm authority as this complex Mouton keeps revealing new aromas and nuances: Moroccan spice, fresh leather, hedgerow and wild berry fruit, stones, fine minerals, pure cassis. It grows and grows in stature little by little displaying its power and class. There's great equilibrium here too, tension, just the right amount of flesh and tremendous length and character. Bravo!