2013 Ch. Mouton-Rothschild, Pauillac

The 2013 Mouton Rothschild stands as the finest among the Médoc First Growths of this vintage. It marks the smallest harvest for Mouton since 1969, even lower than their 1991 yield. The final blend—89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, and 4% Cabernet Franc—represents only 45% of the total crop.

One of the rare 2013s to exhibit real depth, this wine is rich and vibrant, displaying a deep ruby-purple hue. It reveals notes of spicy crème de cassis, licorice, and forest floor. Elegant and medium-bodied, it offers more concentration than most wines of the vintage, along with a firm tannic structure that calls for 2-5 years of bottle aging. Capable of aging for 15 to 20 years, this is a remarkable achievement, deserving high praise for managing director Philippe Dhalluin.

Drinking Window: 2014 – 2034
Score: 98/100 – Robert M. Parker Jr., The Wine Advocate, 2014