Château Mouton Rothschild`s Master Class at Barrière Frères

Château Mouton Rothschild’s
Master Class at
Barrière Frères
(December 2006)
We recently invited Hervé Berland, Commercial Director & Member of
the Directoire of Château Mouton Rothschild, to conduct an inhouse vertical tasting of 9 different vintages of the estate.
The vintages tasted were, in series of three: 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001,
2000, 1999, 1998, 1995 & 1994.
2004, 2003, 2002 : all three were still in
their “primary” aromatic stage (red and black
fruits, new oak …). The 2003 was logically the
most open, soft and tender and of massive
proportions. Commercially, this 2003 is a steal
in comparison to other legendary Mouton’s (05,
00, etc…) The 2004 (smoky, toasted aromas)
is of exquisite constitution, inimitable finesse
with remarkable purity in its lines as is the
2002 which, today, is more aromatic
and fresher (perhaps due to the
higher Cabernet Sauvignon blend).
2001, 2000, 1999 : with the 2001
(coffee, cassis, spices, smoky aromas)
one begins to feel the very distinctive
“Mouton” touch of exotic exuberance
which is the hallmark of the estate. It
is precisely this impression of being in
a warehouse of spices !! Sublime,
open and perfect for early-drinking. The 2000 vintage is
simply an enormous and spin-shattering wine (which Hervé
easily compares with 1986, another Mouton legend). Though
arguably closed and obviously too young, it has all the traits
of a legend. The 1999 was not completely overshadowed by
its predecessor. Logically lighter, more open and evolved, it
showed tender ripe fruit.
1998, 1995, 1994 : the revelation of this tasting was undoubtedly
this 1998 vintage ! Powerful, massive yet with the classic elegance of
Mouton, youthful with enormous fruit
and full of promise. A fantastic value !
Whilst the 1995 was not at its best of
form (difficult phase of adolescence), the
1994 showed a fairly firm wine, with the
vintage’s characteristic tannins. Along
with the 2001, 1999, this 1994 is one of
the best of early drinking.
9 spectacular sensations, 9 unique emotions
PS : At the outset of the tasting, and to my surprise, Hervé confessed
that we had been the first négociant in his 30 year career to have
taken such an initiative in organising an extensive tasting, in
Bordeaux, with an entire sales staff.
I must admit that in light of our significant involvement in the
Bordeaux Classified Growth market, I can not conceive having a sales
staff who is unfamiliar with the nectar behind the labels.
Laurent Ehrmann
Managing Director