1998 Mouton-Rothschild Bordeaux Blend - France - Bordeaux - Pauillac - Red - First Growth

Bright ruby-red. Perfumed, sexy aromas of cassis, roasted plum, violet, pepper and exotic spices. Quite dry but densely packed, with pungent cassis, leather and mineral flavors complimented by sexy oak tones and a hint of dried herbs. Grew fuller and sweeter as it opened in the glass. Finishes with major toothcoating tannins that avoid dryness. Built for long aging. This tastes richer today than it did from barrel.

The lightest and most developed-looking of the three Pauillacs. Ripe, warm and flattering but one of the most evolved wines of the series on the nose although oddly dry and slightly pinched on the palate.  A little lightweight. A bit gawky. Green notes on the finish. Simple and green.

Like many of its peers, the 1998 has filled out spectacularly. Now in the bottle, this opaque black/purple-colored offering has increased in stature, richness, and size. A blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Franc (57% of the production was utilized), it is an extremely powerful, super-concentrated wine offering notes of roasted espresso, creme de cassis, smoke, new saddle leather, graphite, and licorice. It is massive, with awesome concentration, mouth-searing tannin levels, and a saturated flavor profile that grips the mouth with considerable intensity. This is a 50-year Mouton, but patience will be required as it will not be close to drinkability for at least a decade.

Cigar tobacco, cedar and red fruit aromas. Medium- to full-bodied, with silky tannins and a delicate finish. Elegant, seductive Mouton. 22,915 cases made.