A deep garnet core with tawny rim. The bouquet displays good intensity, cohesive, earthy, leathery but well defined and gaining potency. The palate is medium-bodied with some attractive decayed black cedar-infused leafy fruit with tobacco and a touch of graphite. Good persistency towards the slightly bitter finish with touches of soy and pain grille. (NM)

The 1978 Château Mouton Rothschild is a solid, fully mature effort that has plenty of life as well as cedary, herbal aromas and flavors. The largest complaint here would be the non-existent finish, yet it still has some mid-palate flesh as well as a complex, enjoyable style. It’s not getting better, but it will hold going forward.