The 2013 Mouton-Rothschild Bordeaux Blend, originating from the renowned Pauillac sub-region in Bordeaux, France, has garnered a variety of reviews from professional wine critics, reflecting its complex character and the challenges of its vintage year. This wine features a blend of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, and 4% Cabernet Franc, and has an alcohol content of 13%.
Wine Spectator’s JM commended the wine’s ability to thrive despite the difficult conditions of 2013, awarding it a score of 93. He noted the “tension and energy” in its mix of red currant and damson plum flavors, complemented by hints of anise, violet, and bay. He also described its finish as “slightly crunchy,” which he attributed to the vintage.
Wine Enthusiast’s R.V. was particularly impressed, giving it a high score of 96. He described the wine as “generous” and “almost opulent,” with a focus on concentrated, ripe fruits and a dense texture. He emphasized its aging potential, suggesting that it should not be opened before 2025.
James Suckling, who rated the wine at 95, highlighted its warm and delicious profile with notes of light spice, currant, and hints of chocolate. He praised its “seamless tannins” and “wonderful length for the vintage,” recommending it be enjoyed from 2020 onward.
Vinous’ Neal Martin also gave the wine a score of 93, appreciating its “fine delineation” and “satisfyingly harmonious” nature. He found it to be a classy wine with a clean, edgy, and tensile finish.
Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, also reviewed by Neal Martin, gave a slightly lower score of 92. He described the wine as having a “conservative, straight-laced” bouquet with a medium-bodied palate featuring grainy tannins and moderate depth.
Decanter noted that the wine had gained weight over the years, commenting on its solid fruit and integrated oak, and awarded it a 93. They found the palate succulent and fleshy but noted a lack of vigor and persistence.
Jeff Leve from TheWineCellarInsider.com also rated it 93, highlighting its elegant and charming nature with flavors of truffle, forest floor, and cassis. He suggested that it would be enjoyable for the next decade and beyond.
Jane Anson praised the wine for its firm Pauillac tannins and estate signature, awarding it another 93. She noted a “soft landing on the finish” and flavors of gingerbread, cocoa bean, and autumnal blackberry fruits.
Finally, The Wine Independent’s Lisa Perrotti-Brown gave it a score of 94, describing it as medium garnet in color with energetic notes of blackcurrant jelly, kirsch, and prunes, and a long, earthy finish.
Overall, the 2013 Mouton-Rothschild is a well-regarded wine with a range of scores mostly in the low to mid-90s, reflecting its complex profile and aging potential despite the challenging vintage.