Château Mouton Rothschild (1996)

About this wine

The 1996 Château Mouton Rothschild from Pauillac, France, presents a deep garnet color with slight orange hues at the rim, indicating its maturity. The nose is open and intense, offering aromas of black fruits like cherry and blackberry, complemented by cedarwood, fresh mint, floral notes, and well-integrated oak. On the palate, it is full-bodied and opulent, with remarkable depth of flavor. The mid-palate showcases refined and silky tannins, leading to a controlled yet powerful expression before a tender finish. This vintage is a blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, and 10% Cabernet Franc, reflecting the classic composition of the estate. The 1996 vintage benefited from an almost ideal growing season, contributing to its exceptional balance and aging potential.

About the grape

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc are the primary grape varieties used in the production of Château Mouton Rothschild, a renowned wine from the Pauillac region in France. Cabernet Sauvignon, making up about 81% of the vineyard's plantings, contributes rich tannins, complex aromas, and significant aging potential. Merlot, accounting for approximately 15%, adds suppleness and roundness to the blend, enhancing the wine's approachability. Cabernet Franc, at around 3%, imparts finesse and a peppery perfume, adding complexity to the wine's profile. The vineyard's deep gravelly soil and meticulous cultivation practices ensure that each varietal expresses its unique characteristics, contributing to the wine's esteemed reputation.

Quick facts

• 🎨 The 1996 vintage of Château Mouton Rothschild features a label designed by Chinese artist Gu Gan, who incorporated five ideograms for 'heart' in varying colors and strokes, symbolizing universal harmony.
• 🍇 The 1996 blend consists of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, and 10% Cabernet Franc, showcasing the estate's commitment to Cabernet Sauvignon dominance.
• ☀️ The 1996 vintage was harvested from September 27 to October 9, following a growing season with ideal weather conditions, including a cool, wet winter and a warm, dry summer.
• 🏆 The 1996 Château Mouton Rothschild received high praise from critics, with Robert Parker awarding it 94 points, highlighting its complex bouquet and impressive balance.
• 🖼️ Château Mouton Rothschild is renowned for commissioning a different artist each year to design its labels, with contributors including Picasso, Dalí, and Warhol.

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.