Château Mouton Rothschild (1985)
SommeliAI Insights
A rich and complex Pauillac with ripe fruit aromas, smooth tannins, and a long, spicy finish.
About this wine
The 1985 Château Mouton Rothschild presents a deep red color, showing slight signs of aging. Its nose offers ripe fruit aromas like blackberry, bilberry, and blackcurrant, complemented by hints of mint, incense, vanilla, and cocoa. The palate is round and smooth, with well-integrated tannins, leading to flavors of caramel and ripe fruit. The finish is long, with lingering notes of spice. This vintage is notable for its label, designed by Belgian surrealist artist Paul Delvaux, featuring two contemplative figures connected by a bunch of grapes, symbolizing the communion between innocence and pleasure.
About the grape
Château Mouton Rothschild's vineyards are predominantly planted with Cabernet Sauvignon (81%), Merlot (15%), Cabernet Franc (3%), and Petit Verdot (1%). Cabernet Sauvignon, a cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, is known for its thick skins and late ripening, contributing to the wine's structure and aging potential. Merlot, first mentioned in Bordeaux in 1784, ripens earlier and adds softness and fruitiness to the blend. Cabernet Franc, a parent of both Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, offers aromatic complexity and finesse. Petit Verdot, though comprising a small portion of the vineyard, imparts deep color and tannic structure when it fully ripens. The combination of these varietals, cultivated in Mouton Rothschild's gravelly soils, contributes to the wine's renowned complexity and longevity.
Quick facts
- 🎨 The 1985 vintage of Château Mouton Rothschild features a label designed by Belgian surrealist artist Paul Delvaux, depicting two contemplative young women connected by a bunch of grapes, symbolizing the communion between innocence and pleasure.
- 🍇 The 1985 vintage is composed of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot, showcasing the classic Bordeaux blend.
- 👃 The 1985 vintage is renowned for its intense red color and complex nose, featuring aromas of ripe blackberry, bilberry, blackcurrant, mint, incense, vanilla, and cocoa.
- 🍷 The 1985 vintage is celebrated for its round and smooth attack, with well-integrated tannins and a full, generous body displaying flavors of caramel, ripe fruit, and spices.
- 🏆 The 1985 vintage was produced under the direction of Baron Philippe de Rothschild, who was instrumental in elevating Château Mouton Rothschild to First Growth status in 1973, the only change ever made to the 1855 Bordeaux classification.
Palate profile
Producer
Château Mouton Rothschild, located in Pauillac, France, was acquired in 1853 by Baron Nathaniel de Rothschild, who renamed it from Château Brane-Mouton. In 1924, his great-grandson, Baron Philippe de Rothschild, revolutionized the estate by initiating château bottling, ensuring quality control. He also began the tradition of commissioning renowned artists, such as Picasso and Dalí, to design unique labels for each vintage, blending fine wine with fine art. After decades of lobbying, the estate was elevated to First Growth status in 1973, the only change ever made to the 1855 Bordeaux classification. Today, the winery remains under the stewardship of the Rothschild family, producing wines celebrated for their complexity and depth.
