Shows solid flesh from the start, with plum paste notes that belie the vintage, bolstered by dark currant, crushed cherry and raspberry coulis flavors. Offers lots of anise and juniper hints through the finish, accented by an echo of licorice snap. Delivers impressive range and depth. Pure. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Tasted non-blind.

Very aromatic and fresh with floral, currant and cherry. Full to medium body, with fine tannins and a bright, fruity finish. I like the way it builds on the palate at the end. Salty too.

The 2013 Mouton Rothschild is the best of the Medoc first-growths in this vintage. It was the smallest crop at Mouton since 1969, even smaller than their 1991. Only 45% of the crop made it into the final blend of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc. One of the few 2013s to reveal serious depth, it displays a dense saturated ruby/purple color along with spicy creme de cassis, licorice and forest floor characteristics. Elegant, medium-bodied and more concentrated than most of its peers, it even reveals some tannins, suggesting 2-5 years of bottle age may be needed. It should last for 15-20 years. Kudos to administrator Philippe Dhalluin. (RP)