Introducing the 1996 Mouton-Rothschild, a Bordeaux Blend from the esteemed Pauillac region of Bordeaux, France. This exquisite red wine embodies the elegance and complexity that the Mouton-Rothschild estate is renowned for. With its deep garnet color and a cork closure, this wine exudes a sense of history and sophistication.
The nose of the 1996 Mouton-Rothschild is truly captivating, offering an incredible blend of ultraripe fruit that is both subtle and complex. It is a sensory journey that transports you to a world of aromas, with notes of currants, cedar, sweet tobacco, incense, flowers, graphite, and pencil shavings. As the wine opens up, a whiff of a mahogany bureau in a stately home emerges, adding an extra layer of elegance.
On the palate, this full-bodied wine delivers a rich and luxurious experience. The fruit is very ripe, almost sweet, enveloping the senses with its lusciousness. Silky tannins caress the mouth, providing a velvety texture that is simply delightful. The wine displays wonderful balance and tension, showcasing its potential for further aging and development.
Renowned wine critics have bestowed high praise upon the 1996 Mouton-Rothschild. Wine Spectator awarded it an impressive score of 96, describing it as superb and even edging out the 1995 vintage. James Suckling, another prominent critic, scored it 94, praising its fabulous nose and fine silky tannins. Neal Martin's Wine Journal gave it a score of 95, highlighting its classic Pauillac nose and wonderful balance.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded this wine an outstanding score of 97+, describing it as richly fruited, opulent, and seductive. The review notes its youthful black fruit, finely grained tannins, and fantastic freshness. Decanter also scored it 97, praising its outstanding perfume and interesting aromatics.
The 1996 Mouton-Rothschild is a true masterpiece from one of Bordeaux's most prestigious estates. It is a wine that embodies the artistry and craftsmanship of the Mouton-Rothschild winemaking team. This wine is drinking incredibly well now but also has the potential to evolve further over the next two decades. It is a wine to be savored and cherished, a true treasure in the world of Bordeaux blends.