Château Mouton Rothschild (1986)

About this wine

The 1986 Château Mouton Rothschild from Pauillac, France, presents a deep, intense color with a ruby tint. On the nose, it offers aromas of nuts and prunes, complemented by notes of toffee, rancio, peppery spice, and cedarwood. The palate is dense and powerful, with tightly-knit tannins and a smooth texture, showcasing flavors of jammy fruit, wild berries, and blackcurrant liqueur, leading to a finish with hints of toast. This vintage is known for its remarkable concentration and complexity, reflecting the exceptional conditions of the 1986 growing season. Notably, the label for this vintage was designed by artist Bernard Séjourné, adding a unique artistic touch to the bottle.

About the grape

In the 1986 Château Mouton Rothschild, the grape blend was composed of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot. Cabernet Sauvignon, known for its thick skins and late ripening, thrives in Pauillac's gravelly soils, contributing structure and aging potential to the wine. Merlot, with its earlier ripening, adds softness and ripe fruit flavors, balancing the tannins of Cabernet Sauvignon. Cabernet Franc, a parent grape of Cabernet Sauvignon, imparts aromatic complexity and subtle spice notes. Petit Verdot, though used in smaller quantities, enhances color and adds depth with its rich tannins and floral aromas. This combination of varietals showcases the traditional Bordeaux blending practice, each grape contributing unique characteristics to the final wine.

Quick facts

• 🎭 The 1986 Château Mouton Rothschild label features artwork by Haitian artist Bernard Séjourné, depicting three ethereal masks emerging from darkness.
• 🏆 This vintage is renowned for its exceptional quality, receiving a perfect 100-point score from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate.
• 🍇 The 1986 blend consists of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot, showcasing the estate's classic composition.
• 🎨 Château Mouton Rothschild is unique among Bordeaux First Growths for commissioning a different artist each year since 1945 to design its labels.
• 🔝 The estate's motto changed in 1973 from 'First, I cannot be. Second, I do not deign to be. Mouton I am.' to 'First, I am. Second, I used to be. Mouton does not change.' after its promotion to First Growth status.

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.