The 1996 Mouton-Rothschild is a Bordeaux blend crafted primarily from 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, and 10% Cabernet Franc. This wine hails from the renowned Pauillac sub-region in Bordeaux, France, and has garnered significant praise from wine critics for its complexity and longevity.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded this vintage an outstanding score of 97, describing it as "richly fruited, opulent and oh-so seductive," with a "finely grained tannins, finishing with fantastic freshness and length." Lisa Perrotti-Brown highlighted the wine's deep garnet color and gregarious aromas of crème de cassis, baked blackberries, and plum pudding.

Decanter magazine was particularly impressed, giving it a high score of 98, calling it "the standout wine of the tasting." The review praised its opulence and concentration, with intense cassis notes, mint, menthol, and restrained oak. The palate was noted for its elegance, freshness from acidity, and perfectly ripe tannins.

Jeb Dunnuck acknowledged the wine's "incredibly classic style" and "herbal freshness," awarding it a score of 96. He noted its vibrant dark fruits, spring flowers, and tobacco, with a balanced and focused palate that promises continued evolution over the next two decades.

Wine Spectator's James Suckling described it as "full-bodied with very fine silky tannins," scoring it a 94. He noted the aromas of currants, cedar, sweet tobacco, incense, and flowers, although he observed a slight green undertone that not everyone appreciated.

Jeff Leve from TheWineCellarInsider.com echoed the sentiment of continued positive development, highlighting the softened tannins and flavors of ripe, sweet currants, spice, and blackberries, with a recommendation to drink from 2022 to 2045.

Overall, the 1996 Mouton-Rothschild is a distinguished wine with an array of complex flavors and aromas, praised for its balance, elegance, and the potential for further aging.