Chateau Mouton Rothschild 2015 (750ml)

Decadent and rich aromas of black cherries and plums with wet earth and sandalwood. Turns to dried mushrooms. Full-bodied, tight and closed with big, polished tannins, yet this is very closed and shy right now. Despite this, underneath it shows such depth and beauty. Tangy acidity. This is a combination of 2005 and 2009. Try it in 2024.

Leans in more to the exuberance of the vintage than Lafite, but still with the effortless balance and stately steady-as-she-goes elegance of the Pauillac Firsts in 2015. Grilled sandalwood and cedar, crushed raspberries, crayon and graphite, expands through the palate, love this, thoroughly luscious but with a sense of restraint on the finish. Philippe Dhalluin technical director, Eric Boissenot consultant. 100% new oak for ageing. Gerhard Richter label artist.

The crème de la crème from the northern Médoc is the 2015 Mouton Rothschild and this incredible wine flirts with perfection. Made from 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, and 3% Petit Verdot, this inky purple-colored effort offers sensational Cabernet flare in its crème de cassis, graphite, lead pencil shavings, floral, and Asian spice aromas and flavors. It is full-bodied, dense, and incredibly concentrated, yet still has the sexy, opulent, seductive style of the vintage front and center. It will be a candidate for perfection in 10-12 years and is going to be one of the longest-lived wines in the vintage. Hats off to Philippe Dhalluim and his team for this incredible effort that’s a step up over just about every other northern Médoc out there! 2023 - 2063

A blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Franc, the 2015 Mouton Rothschild is deep garnet in color. It rocks up with flamboyant scents of baked plums, crème de cassis, and menthol with underlying suggestions of rose oil, sassafras, cedar chest, and Indian spices, plus a waft of dusty soil. Medium-bodied, the palate delivers a great core of ripe, black fruits, framed by beautifully ripe, grainy tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing long and spicy.