2003 Chateau Mouton-Rothschild Bordeaux - 95+ pts!
Made from low yields of 28 hectoliters per hectare this profound blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon 14% Merlot 8% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot possesses a finished pH of 3.8 alcohol of 12.9% nearly identical to Lafite Rothschild in that sense and 3.5 total acidity much higher than the other first growths. The 2003 is similar in style to Mouton's 1982 but softer and more pliable than that wine was at the same age. The Cabernet Sauvignon harvest began on the same day it did in both 1982 and 1947 ... an interesting coincidence. Black/purple-colored to the rim with a gorgeous nose of espresso roast intermixed with classic Mouton creme de cassis liqueur-like notes its powerful unctuous flavors cascade over the palate revealing tremendous intensity as well as strong tannin. This enormously endowed 2003 is still sorting itself out but it is unquestionably one of the greatest efforts of the vintage. If my instincts are correct it is the ripest most flamboyant Mouton-Rothschild since the 1982. RP
