The 2005 Mouton-Rothschild is a highly acclaimed Bordeaux blend from the esteemed Pauillac sub-region in Bordeaux, France. The wine consists of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, and 1% Cabernet Franc, reflecting the classic composition of this iconic estate. With an alcohol content of 13.0%, this red wine, sealed with a traditional cork closure, has received exceptional reviews from various wine experts, emphasizing its nuanced complexity and aging potential.
Mike Supple from JJ Buckley awarded the wine a score of 97, describing it as having a "dark purple all the way to the edge" with a "great spicy clove nose over cherry new oak and cardamom." He noted its "juicy and well-integrated" tannins and a "chocolate finish that keeps going on and on," summarizing it as "a beauty."
Neal Martin's Wine Journal also rated it 97, highlighting its "perfumed, quite floral bouquet with very pure blackberry and wild strawberry scents, mint, and a touch of undergrowth." The palate is described as "medium-bodied with red berry fruit, allspice, dried orange peel, and even a hint of garrigues towards the finish." Martin praised it as "a fantastic Mouton from Philippe Dhalluin."
Jeff Leve from TheWineCellarInsider.com was even more generous with a score of 98, emphasizing the wine’s "power, elegance, concentration, velvety textures, ripe, silky, fresh fruits with spicy, exotic flavors." He advised patience, suggesting it will be "drinking in grand style" after a decade.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate matched this score, with Lisa Perrotti-Brown describing it as "evolving into unabashed, flamboyant notes of Christmas cake, plum preserves, chocolate-covered cherries, eucalyptus, and crème de cassis." She commended its "full-bodied" palate and "dazzling exotic spice, floral and earthy nuances."
Wine Spectator also gave it a 98, noting its "immense core of steeped red currant, blackberry, and plum fruit" with a "serious bolt of iron." James Suckling echoed this sentiment, giving it a 98 and describing it as having "incredibly ripe tannins and finesse," with "roasted fruit, leather, and grilled meat" flavors.
Decanter and Jane Anson both rated the wine 98 and 100, respectively. Anson described it as "pure pleasure" with "depth and power," and Jeb Dunnuck also gave it a perfect score, lauding its "ripe, powerful, yet weightless style."
Overall, the 2005 Mouton-Rothschild is a highly regarded wine, praised for its complexity, aging potential, and exceptional balance. It's advised to enjoy this wine slowly over several hours to fully appreciate its evolving nuances.