1997 Chateau Mouton-Rothschild Bordeaux - 750ml

1997 Chateau Mouton-Rothschild Bordeaux Mouton has been experimenting with malolactic fermentation in barrel 20% of the 1997 was vinified in this manner. The 1997 which possesses some characteristics similar to the 1985 but is ultimately different is a blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon 13% Merlot 3% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot. Only 60% of Mouton's harvest made it into the grand vin. This is a hedonistic forward Mouton hence the comparison with the 1985 with a deep ruby/purple color ripe tannin and the tell-tale Mouton cassis in its aromatics and flavors. Mouton's Merlot harvest took place on September 11 and was then stopped until September 16 concluding with the very late-picked Cabernet Sauvignon on October 5. Approachable without the massiveness of the two preceding vintages the 1997 Mouton exhibits a soft mid-palate loads of pure fruit nicely-integrated smoky new oak and surprising length for the wine's initial attack. There is moderate tannin in this offering. This will be one of the few 1997s that will warrant a short-term cellaring of 3-4 years before consumption. I would not be surprised to see this wine last for two decades or more making it one of the longer-lived 1997s. RP

Varietal	Bordeaux Blend
Vintage	1997
Rating	RP91/ST90/WS89
Bottle Size	750 ml
Bottle Quantity	1
Country	France
Region	Bordeaux
Location	Pauillac
Producer	Mouton-Rothschild
Color	Red
Wine Type	Table

Rating

RP91 - 1997 Chateau Mouton-Rothschild Bordeaux Mouton has been experimenting with malolactic fermentation in barrel 20% of the 1997 was vinified in this manner. The 1997 which possesses some characteristics similar to the 1985 but is ultimately different is a blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon 13% Merlot 3% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot. Only 60% of Mouton's harvest made it into the grand vin. This is a hedonistic forward Mouton hence the comparison with the 1985 with a deep ruby/purple color ripe tannin and the tell-tale Mouton cassis in its aromatics and flavors. Mouton's Merlot harvest took place on September 11 and was then stopped until September 16 concluding with the very late-picked Cabernet Sauvignon on October 5. Approachable without the massiveness of the two preceding vintages the 1997 Mouton exhibits a soft mid-palate loads of pure fruit nicely-integrated smoky new oak and surprising length for the wine's initial attack. There is moderate tannin in this offering. This will be one of the few 1997s that will warrant a short-term cellaring of 3-4 years before consumption. I would not be surprised to see this wine last for two decades or more making it one of the longer-lived 1997s. RP

Wine Spectator	WS89

Burghound

Varietal	Bordeaux Blend
Vintage	1997
Rating	RP91/ST90/WS89
Bottle Size	750 ml
Bottle Quantity	1
Country	France
Region	Bordeaux
Location	Pauillac
Producer	Mouton-Rothschild
Color	Red
Wine Type	Table