Tasting Notes
Vinous – 97
The 2005 Mouton Rothschild clearly has a fresher bouquet than the Clerc Milon or Armailhac: copious black fruit, cedar, graphite and violet scents soar from the glass, entrancing with beautiful delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with saturated tannins, quite poised and less ferrous than some of its peers. Mint and veins of dark chocolate are flanked by cracked black pepper towards the bold yet controlled finish. This is drinking supremely well now-a classy Mouton Rothschild that represents the apex of achievement in that decade. Tasted at the chateau.
Anticipated maturity: 2025-2055
JancisRobinson.com – 17
85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc. Harvested between 21 September and 6 October in ideal, dry weather conditions. When tasted in November 2009, Mouton exhibited beguiling aromas of menthol and Asian spices, with a massively concentrated, youthful palate (at that time, I scored it 18/20). The general view was that the bottle shown at Oeno wasn t in perfect condition, seeming rather open-knit, developed in colour and with the oak standing out. Some fleshy dark-berry fruit and spice notes, a little overwhelmed by dominating acidity making this less pleasurable than expected. Seems to have matured more rapidly than the other first growths. (AWH)
Anticipated maturity: 2021-2040
Robert Parker – 98
Technical Director/Chief Winemaker Philippe Dhalluin said this was a special year for him, because he considers it his first great vintagea he started in 2004. Deep garnet with hint of brick, the 2005 Mouton Rothschild is evolving into unabashed, flamboyant notes of Christmas cake, plum preserves, chocolate-covered cherries, eucalyptus and creme de cassis with beautifully fragrant wafts of potpourri, incense, Indian spices and cigar box. Full-bodied, the palate performs vinous pirouettes with dazzling exotic spice, floral and earthy nuances, framed by firm, grainy tannins and fantastic freshness, finishing very long and mineral laced.
Anticipated maturity: 2019-2055
