The 2005 Mouton-Rothschild is a Bordeaux blend from the esteemed Mouton-Rothschild estate in Pauillac, Bordeaux, France. This wine is composed predominantly of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by 14% Merlot and a touch of 1% Cabernet Franc. The wine carries an alcohol content of 13.0% and is recognized for its deep garnet-brick color.
Esteemed wine reviewers have lauded this vintage, with many awarding it near-perfect scores. Jeb Dunnuck of JebDunnuck.com, who gave it a perfect score of 100, praised it as "pure perfection," noting its "ripe, powerful, yet weightless style" and likening it to the 1982 vintage. Dunnuck highlighted its "sensational notes of ripe black fruits, smoky, scorched earth, pipe tobacco, and chocolate," adding that it is "one of those wines that needs to be tasted to be believed."
Jane Anson of JaneAnson.com also awarded the wine a perfect score of 100, describing it as "pure pleasure" with "tiny pulses of electricity, brushed leather, sulphur, loam, truffle, blackberry, [and] black cherry." Anson commended its "lush edge to the tannins" and advised enjoying it slowly over several hours to fully appreciate its evolving nuances.
The Wine Independent gave it 98+ points, praising its "opulent, flamboyant nose of blackcurrant cordial, black cherry preserves, and violets with licorice, espresso, and clove oil in the background." The publication noted that it "delivers a firm backbone of ripe, grainy tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing long and decadent."
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate also scored it 98, highlighting the wine's "unabashed, flamboyant notes of Christmas cake, plum preserves, chocolate-covered cherries, eucalyptus, and crème de cassis." Lisa Perrotti-Brown from the publication mentioned the "dazzling exotic spice, floral and earthy nuances," underscoring its long, mineral-laced finish.
Wine Spectator described the 2005 Mouton-Rothschild as "Gorgeous," with "singed alder and juniper notes," giving it a score of 98. Jeff Leve from TheWineCellarInsider.com, who also awarded it 98 points, emphasized its "power, elegance, concentration, velvety textures, [and] ripe, silky, fresh fruits with spicy, exotic flavors."
While the wine received slightly lower scores from Wine Enthusiast (95 points), the review still acknowledged its aromatic intensity and rich flavors, though noting that the wood influence might need more time to integrate.
Overall, the 2005 Mouton-Rothschild is celebrated for its complexity, depth, and aging potential, making it a standout vintage from one of Bordeaux's most prestigious estates.