Château Mouton Rothschild 2025

Château Mouton Rothschild is one of the five First Growths of the Médoc and the only one promoted to that rank, in 1973, having previously sat just below. It stands in Pauillac, on the left bank of the Gironde, where deep banks of gravel over clay drain hard and force the vines to root deeply. Those warm, stony soils ripen Cabernet Sauvignon fully, and the grape leads the blend, supported by Merlot for flesh, Cabernet Franc for lift and a small amount of Petit Verdot for colour and grip. The estate is also known for commissioning a different artist for each vintage label, from Dalí to Miró and Picasso. Ageing runs to 22 months in French oak barrels, the long élevage letting slow oxygen exchange build cedar, tobacco and cocoa around the dark fruit while the tannins settle. The wine is deep and dark. The nose shows blackcurrant, red currant and cherry over tobacco, leather, oak and a smoky graphite note. The palate is full and firm, with dense fruit, fine tannin and a long, savoury finish built to age. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees and decant well ahead. It suits roast beef, lamb and game.