Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend

Part of a Chateau Mouton Rothschild vertical from 1988-1990. This was my second time enjoying the 1990 vintage and, much like my previous experience, this was rather quiet early and then came on with the business, late. As before, a mix of red and black cassis, ripe and desiccated cherries, tobacco leaf, cedar box, old leather, damp earth, some mushrooms and baking spices. After two similar experiences, I believe this vintage needs a lot of patience and a lot of air to wake up. Without either, it will be misunderstood. Drink now through 2040+

Part of a Chateau Mouton Rothschild vertical from 1988-1990. Early on, this was a probably my favorite of the three Moutons and showed well throughout the course of the evening. Expressive red and dark forest fruits with tobacco, leather, earth and baking spices. The structure was still showing its tensile strength. This has a long life ahead. Drink now through 2040.

Part of a Chateau Mouton Rothschild vertical from 1988-1990. The 1988 shows great color and is quite charming with notes of cassis, tobacco, leather some bell pepper and a cinnamon bark sort of thing on the nose. Structure remains firm and this was a little greener than the ‘89 and ‘90. There is no risk of this falling off anytime soon; probably good through 2038.

Vintage 1989 | unbelievable youghtful, cedar, tobacco, spiced cherries, extremely balanced, a joy | with duck breast and beetroot | at Hofstede De Blaak Tilburg

Very deep and intense. Blueberry and brooding fruit. Still young and punchy. Delicious. Tannins resolved

Showing very well after 2 hours in the decanter but this is still very young and unresolved. Very enjoyable still but a long life ahead.

Unbelievable

Good but not great vintage for Mouton. Graphite, chocolate, dried pasilla.

Still remarkably youthful, it’s rich, dense and dark fruited, layered with classicism of cigar box, cedar and spices. The palate is concentrated and powerful with a silky texture and incredible length. 95 is nowhere near its peak. Many more years to go. And while I’ll never be a real Bordeaux lover, it’s clear what makes these first growths special.

71st birthday wine from daughter Georgie’s birth year. Cedar aromas like an antique shop. Maraschino cherries Georgie said with touches of marzipan, and anise Dusty plum and cassis. Soft resolved tannins. A gorgeous First growth claret from a great vintage in 1989. Enjoyed this more than the previous tasting early last year. Really enjoyable.