2005 Château Mouton Rothschild

Nature's rollercoaster couldn't derail Mouton. Spring drowned in puddles, summer scorched the vines, and September rains threatened to spoil the party. Yet, through meticulous grape selection, Mouton persevered.

This vintage delivers a true Pauillac prizefighter. Expect dark fruit punches, muscular tannins, and surprising longevity. Not legendary, but a testament to winemaking prowess in a challenging year.

Bonus: Dutch maestro Karel Appel's label debut adds artistic flair to this resilient vintage.

Initially underestimated, 2002 was saved by an excellent Indian summer. Late-season warmth allowed for extended ripening, particularly benefiting Cabernet Sauvignon. Mouton's 2002 exhibits surprising depth and concentration, with elegant tannins, fresh acidity, and a balance of dark fruit and subtle oak influences. It's a testament to Mouton's ability to excel even in challenging years.

The 2002 features artwork by, Ilya Kabakov, titled Okho.

An exceptionally hot and dry year across Europe. The heat wave resulted in early ripening and harvest. Mouton's 2003 is characterized by its intense concentration, ripe fruit flavors, and higher-than-usual alcohol content. Despite the challenging conditions, the wine maintains balance and showcases the power of Pauillac, with rich tannins and a long finish. It's a unique expression of an atypical Bordeaux vintage.

The 2003 vintage celebrates Mouton's 150 anniversary, depicting Baron Nathaniel de Rothschild along with the deed of purchase.

Following the heat of 2003, 2004 returned to more classic Bordeaux conditions. A cool August was offset by a warm, dry September, allowing for steady ripening. Mouton's 2004 is elegant and well-balanced, with typical Pauillac characteristics of cassis, cedar, and tobacco. The wine shows good structure with refined tannins, suggesting excellent aging potential. It's considered a "drinker's vintage," offering accessibility earlier than some more robust years.

The artwork of the 2004 vintage was created by HRH King Charles III, (then Prince of Wales), Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale.

The 2007 vintage from Chateau Mouton Rothschild, with label art by French sculptor Bernar Venet, demonstrates the estate's expertise in more challenging years. Despite a cool, damp summer that required vigilant vineyard management, September's improved weather allowed for extended hang time and better ripening. Mouton's experienced team produced a wine of surprising elegance and aromatic complexity, overcoming the season's difficulties.

Chateau Mouton Rothschild's 2014 vintage, featuring artwork dedicated to the late Baroness Phillipine de Rothschild by English Pop-Artist David Hockney, highlights the estate's resilience through hardships. After a challenging summer, September brought warm, dry weather that extended through October, allowing for a late harvest under ideal conditions. The result is a classic Mouton, combining freshness and precision with the estate's characteristic power and complexity.

The 2015 vintage from Chateau Mouton Rothschild, adorned with artwork and a note "Mouton ne change" (Mouton does not chage) by German painter and photographer Gerhard Richter, is a brilliant testiment to Mouton's slogan and way of operating. The growing season began with a mild spring, followed by a hot, dry summer that concentrated flavors, with timely August rains refreshing the vines. The resulting legendary wine combines the richness of the vintage with Mouton's signature opulence and structure, harvested during a perfect Indian summer.

Chateau Mouton Rothschild's 2018 offering, featuring label artwork by Chinese artist Xu Bing, is a testament to the estate's ingenuity. The year began with challenging spring conditions, followed by intense summer heat and drought, requiring expert vineyard management throughout the season. The team's expertise shone through in the harvest, producing a wine of exceptional power and freshness that captures the intensity of this dramatic vintage.