Mouton Rothschild 2008

The two vintages of Mouton Rothschild represented the historically hot, dry year of 2003 and the cooler, small crop of 2008. Both are terrific Mouton Rothschilds..2008 is a sleeper vintage for many Bordeaux wines and was priced low by the châteaux. The wines are classic Bordeaux, although they are not the most exuberant, richest or flamboyant. However, they are beautifully representative of their appellations, are concentrated because of low yields, and are just now starting to uncoil and reveal their true characters. It is a vintage to buy if you can find well-stored, pristine bottles.

Score: 94

Robert Parker, Hedonists Gazette, robertparker.com 01 March 2014

Mouton’s vineyard was harvested between October 2-15, and the wine possesses an unexpectedly high pH of 3.85 (high for this vintage, but normal for a riper year). Made from low yields of 34 hectoliters per hectare, it achieved a natural alcohol content of 13.2%, one of the highest ever for this estate. Made from 54% of the production, the 2008 Mouton Rothchild’s final blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon and 17% Merlot has resulted in an atypically sweeter, more direct and opulent, fleshy Mouton. Keep in mind that this cuvee, because of the high Cabernet Sauvignon content as well as the terroir, is often backward, structured, and nearly foreboding in its youth. However, I do not think the 2008 will behave in that manner. There is plenty of tannin and exceptional density and ripeness, but the tannins are velvety, and I was amazed by how charmingly forward and fleshy this wine already is. A deep purple color, sweet aromas of creme de cassis, smoke, cedar, and an unmistakable floral component (another characteristic of the Cabernet Sauvignon in 2008) are found in this precocious, succulent Mouton that should firm up and put on more weight with aging. My score is somewhat conservative because it is hard to forget their prodigious 2006, but the 2008 will provide far more enjoyment and pleasure over the near-term than the 2006. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2035. For California enthusiasts, while visiting Mouton Rothschild, I had the opportunity to taste several vintages of Opus One, which has taken on new, dramatically high quality now that the Rothschilds are sole owners. I’ll just say that the 2007 Opus One promises to be the greatest example of that wine ever produced. More details will be published in the December issue on California wines.

Score: 94 - 96

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2015-2035 30 April 2009

The ’08 Mouton is a blend of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon and 17% Merlot (a substantially higher proportion of the former.) The nose is already quite complex: blackberry, oyster shell, briary, a touch of seaweed. Good definition, quite a mercurial nose, the oak well integrated. The palate is superb: great fruit intensity, this is an ebullient Mouton Rothschild with a real sense of energy and tautness. Superb balance, great poise, blackberry, boysenberry and a wonderful sense of mineralité towards the assertive finish. A certain sense of femininity about this Mouton. Regal!

Score: 94 - 96

Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com 01 April 2009

Tighter and denser than the Petit Mouton with hidden depths and less obvious seduction. Very neat and firm with some fine polishing of texture and definite minerality at its core. Dry finish. Very fresh and neat. Finer boned than many Moutons - almost playing the Lafite card. All very introvert but nothing flashy. I found myself swallowing this at 9.20am! Well done. (18.5- score)

Score: 18 - 19

Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2018-2032 01 April 2009