Mouton Rothschild 2004

The 2004 Mouton-Rothschild was the first vintage for Philippe Dhalluin, who was so successful in persuading the late Philippine de Rothschild to institute a more strict selection with respect to Mouton-Rothschild. The outstanding 2004 exhibits delicious notes of cedarwood, Christmas fruitcake, blackcurrants and toast. The wine possesses outstanding concentration, medium to full body, excellent purity, hints of forest floor and underbrush, and sweet, velvety tannin. It is on a fast evolutionary track, so consume this over the next 10-15 years.

Beautiful aromas of crushed berries and chocolate, with hints of Indian spices. Full bodied with silky, velvety tannins and a long, caressing finish. This is the first wine from the new winemaking team at Mouton and is showing really well. Best after 2011.

An extremely distinctive wine - almost mid Atlantic rather than Pauillac and therefore of course very winning. Very dark purple. Hidden, deep-flavoured nose. Some rather sweet notes - even ripe Merlot notes which dominate at the moment. Very smooth and flattering in texture with real polish - very supple tannins with lots of fruit on the front palate. Not nearly as dry as one would expect of a first growth Pauillac - almost a hint of Opus One in texture? No hint of oak. Very interesting and not at all severe. Drink 2015-30.

A Mouton for the long haul! It's dark, savoury and dense on the nose, with notes of oak and black olive. Chocolatey, licorice fruit follows, both rich and savoury on the mid-palate, and rich, chewy, savoury tannins. It's ripe, but not jammy; massive, but harmonious. The finish is tight and astringent, with savoury length. 2012-2030