Pauillac

2018

1st Growth

86% Cabernet Sauvignon
12% Merlot
2% Cabernet Franc

Region: Bordeaux

ESTATE HISTORY

In 1718, Château Mouton and Château Salon-Segur were acquired by Nicolas-Alexandre de Segur, who already owned Château Lafite and Château Latour. With the death of Nicolas-Alexandre Ségur in 1755, his estate was divided among four daughters.
The Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855 was based entirely on recent market prices for a vineyard's wines, with one exception: Château Mouton Rothschild. Despite the market prices for their vineyard's wines equalling that of Château Lafite Rothschild, Château Mouton Rothschild was excluded from First Great Growth status, an act that Baron Philippe de Rothschild referred to as "the monstrous injustice". It is believed that the exception was made because the vineyard had recently been purchased by an Englishman and was no longer in French ownership.
In 1973, Mouton was elevated to "first growth" status after decades of intense lobbying by its powerful and influential owner, the only change in the original 1855 classification (excepting the 1856 addition of Château Cantermerle. This prompted a change of motto: previously, the motto of the wine was Premier ne puis, second ne daigne, Mouton suis.("First, I cannot be. Second, I do not deign to be. Mouton I am."), and it was changed to Premier je suis, Second je fus, Mouton ne change. ("First, I am. Second, I used to be. Mouton does not change.")

TERROIR

Château Mouton Rothschild has 222 acres (90 ha) of grape vines on the slopes leading down to the Gironde Estuary. 
Deep gravelly soil - Clay & limestone base.

VITICULTURE

Average age of vines is about 44 years.
Sustainable farming.

WINEMAKING

Manual harvest. Fermentation in oak vats (they are one of the last châteaux in the Médoc to use them) and then matured in new oak casks. 

TASTING & FOOD PAIRINGS

The wine has an intense ripe fruit aromas and nutmeg notes, set off by touches of mint.
The ample, full and refined attack opens on blackberry and cherry flavours lifted by a hint of spice. Generous, creamy and well-rounded tannins underpin candied flavours, giving an overall impression of succulence.
Great balance between the fruit and the tannins paves the way for a highly refined and exceptionnally long finish.

Château Mouton Rothschild is best paired with classic meat dishes, veal, pork, beef, lamb, duck, game, roast chicken, roasted, braised, and grilled dishes. Also great with Asian dishes, rich fish courses like tuna, salmon, mushrooms, and pasta.

Illustration of the label
Xu Bing (1955-)

*Please note the image is of a representative bottle. For pictures of the actual bottle please contact us.