Château Mouton Rothschild 2015

A First Growth from Pauillac, captivating in its richness and balance

The estate

In 1853, Baron Nathaniel de Rothschild acquired Château Brane-Mouton at auction. The estate, located in the heart of the Médoc, in Pauillac, was then renamed Château Mouton Rothschild. In 1922, Baron Philippe de Rothschild took over the reins of the estate. A visionary, he decided in 1924 to initiate the complete bottling at the château while entrusting the illustration of the wine label to an artist. Each year since 1945, the label of Château Mouton Rothschild is adorned with the original work of a great contemporary artist. Dalí, César, Miró, Chagall, Warhol, Soulages, Bacon, Balthus, Tàpies, Koons, Doig... an exciting collection that grows each year with a new work and constitutes the famous exhibition "Art and the Label". Emblem of the Pauillac appellation, this First Growth shines the spotlight on the great wines of Bordeaux around the world. Today, the three children of Baroness Philippine de Rothschild, Camille and Philippe Sereys de Rothschild, and Julien de Beaumarchais de Rothschild preside over the destiny of Château Mouton Rothschild.

The vineyard

Château Mouton Rothschild is a Pauillac wine from an 82-hectare vineyard located northwest of Bordeaux, in the Médoc. The vines, averaging 50 years old, are planted on pebbly gravel soils that capture heat and release it during the night, thus promoting the ripening of the grapes. These draining soils rest on a clay-gravel subsoil, giving the wines of Château Mouton Rothschild a unique power, elegance, and tannic structure.

The label

The label for the 2015 vintage, signed by Philippe Sereys de Rothschild following the passing of Baroness Philippine de Rothschild in 2014, was created by German artist Gerhard Richter. Born in 1932, Richter is a master of artistic experimentation, oscillating between figuration and abstraction, painting and photography. For this vintage, he proposes Flux, a work resulting from a process combining chance and mastery: colors in motion frozen at the perfect moment. This work reflects the quest for harmony and balance that characterizes the creation of a great wine, such as Château Mouton Rothschild 2015, a symbol of fullness and elegance.

The vintage

The year 2015 was particularly dry from February to July, i.e., from bud break to veraison, affecting the size of the berries. The significant rainfall recorded in August and September was beneficial for the vineyard, already impacted by water stress, ensuring optimal ripeness of the grapes. In a quest for a perfectly ripe harvest, the harvest was exceptionally long, from September 14 to October 2, 2015.

Blend

Cabernet sauvignon (82%), merlot (16%) and cabernet franc (2%).

Characteristics and tasting advice for Château Mouton Rothschild 2015

Tasting

Color
The color is beautifully dark, adorned with subtle violet reflections.

Nose
Complex, the nose finely and elegantly combines fruity fragrances (wild blackberry, blueberry), toasted bread and fresh licorice with notes of blond tobacco. 

Palate
Ample and beautifully fresh, the attack harmoniously combines intensity and salinity. The palate seduces with its creamy tannins, enveloping structure and delicious minerality. The palate reveals rich fruity and spicy flavors. The finish is persistent and superbly balanced. Fleshy and opulent, Château Mouton Rothschild 2015 echoes another legendary vintage, 2005.