The 1996 Château Mouton Rothschild is showing exceptionally well at this stage in its evolution. It instantly impresses with its classic aromatics of dark currants, dried cherries, dried tobacco, exotic spices, dried florals and even some mineral and tar nuances that all take shape beautifully in the glass. On the palate it possesses an absolutely gorgeous medium body with a seamless texture wrapped in beautifully silky tannins. Showing outstanding overall focus and balance this classy Pauillac goes on to display incredible elegance and charm all the way through the graceful finish.

The last time I tasted the 1996 Mouton Rothschild (maybe a couple of years ago?), I recall it was a bit broody and closed. This showing was anything but! Deep garnet in color, it sashays out of the glass with lavishly dressed, gregarious crème de cassis, baked blackberries and plum pudding scents plus touches of menthol, fenugreek, star anise and sandalwood with fleeting glimpses at dried rose petals and oolong tea. The full-bodied palate is richly fruited, opulent and oh-so seductive, with bags of youthful black fruit and lovely finely grained tannins, finishing with fantastic freshness and length. (LPB) 97+

The 1996 Château Mouton Rothschild is a blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, and 10% of Cabernet Franc. This beauty shows the fresh, clean, incredibly classic style of the vintage, offering vibrant dark fruits, spring flowers, tobacco, and coffee, and like many 1996s, there’s a wonderful, herbal freshness in the aromatics and flavors. Medium to full-bodied, concentrated, and focused on the palate, its tannins are nicely integrated, the balance is spot on, and this beauty is drinking incredibly well today. It should continue to evolve for another two decades.