-
98
/ 100
Wine Enthusiast -
97
/ 100
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate -
97
/ 100
James Suckling
Red
Classification
Cabernet Blend
Variety
2012
Vintage
750ml (Bottle)
Bottle Size
France
Country
Bordeaux, Medoc
Region
14.0%
Alcohol %
15 Plus Years
Cellaring
Scores
98 / 100"This powerful, impressive wine is comprised of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon. It's seriously structured, with loads of black currants and dark tannin, and revels on the finish with the juicy, fresh acidity of this vintage. A fine Mouton, this is the first vintage produced in the chateau’s new cellar."
- Wine Enthusiast
97 / 100
"The intensely ripe Cabernet Sauvignon grown on the plateau at Mouton has produced an inky/purple-colored wine with the famous Mouton creme de cassis and floral characteristics vividly displayed. For the first time in a number of years they appear to have outdistanced their cross street rival, the biodynamically farmed Chateau Pontet Canet of Alfred Tesseron. Wonderfully sweet tannins envelop the enormous fruit and extravagant richness of this full-bodied Mouton Rothschild. With profound density as well as surprisingly sweet tannin, this terrific effort will probably shut down slightly and require 5-8 years of cellaring after bottling. It appears to have 30 or more years of aging potential, making it potentially one of the 3 or 4 longest-lived wines of the vintage."
- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
97 / 100
"What a nose of blackberries, blackcurrants, minerals and graphite. Full-bodied, extremely fine and polished. Sexy and ethereal. Harmony. A little salty. Fabulous 2012. Pure silk. Better after 2020 but so wonderful now."
- James Suckling
Tasting Notes
The heralded 2012 Mouton Rothschild from Chateau Mouton Rothschild represents a vintage of both challenge and triumph. It is an opulent testament to a year that asked much of its vignerons. Patience and precision were the watchwords in Pauillac in 2012, where meticulous vineyard management offset the vagaries of nature to create a wine that now captivates investors and collectors alike.
The climatic dance of 2012 – a chilly spell followed by warmth – brought out a distinct profile in this iconic cuvée. If one were to characterise this vintage succinctly, it harmonises power with elegance, a signature style of Chateau Mouton Rothschild wines but with a unique twist found only in this particular year. Fine tannins underpin the architecture of a wine that offers hints of blackcurrant, violets, and a whisper of oak. Worth noting is how the delicate balance struck in 2012 provides a captivating investment opportunity, as each passing year allows the wine's complexity to unfurl further.
Even considering the remarkable track record of Chateau Mouton Rothschild, the 2012 Mouton Rothschild stands out in its youth for its poise and potential longevity. This vintage is defined by its subtlety and depth—a wine astutely laced with potential for those who appreciate the maturation journey that only Bordeaux's finest can embark upon.
On the palate, the 2012 emits layers of well-integrated dark fruit contrasted by an edgy graphite tone that adds gravitas to each sip. The finish is lengthy, leaving behind an ever-evolving bouquet that assures you this vintage is not just another fine offering but one imbued with the capacity to transcend its era.
As one considers the investment potential of this particular Mouton Rothschild, it is crucial to recognise how it eloquently expresses the 2012 vintage's unique character. For investors searching to diversify portfolios or collectors seeking hidden gems skilfully entering their phase of drinkability, this 2012 Mouton Rothschild warrants profound consideration.
Tasting Profile
- Light
- Full
- Low Tannin
- Tannic
- Sweet
- Dry
- Low Acidity
- High Acidity