2018, Château Mouton-Rothschild, PAUILLAC, 1er Grand Cru ClasséBordeaux Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc. This has so much tannic power, with density, layers and structure along with layers of blackberry, liquorice, baked earth, cigar box and the signature exotic spices of Mouton. A big, textured and complex wine that is taking it all in its stride. 100% new oak. There is the tiniest touch of Petit Verdot in the blend, but under 1%, so its not in the official figures. 62% of production went into

spice and dark mineral tones

that is the magic of Saint-Émilion plateau

aiming for more Sangiovese in the blend and thus more elegance

95 William Kelley

Bordeaux Blend

Bright and crunchy white with layers of gooseberries

This will need a few years to unwind but if you have a bit of patience it would make a good cellar candidate

vine smoke

Mildew in June took out fully 50% of the potential crop

aging in 80%  new French oak barriques

Elegant and refined

The wine’s ripe fruit aromas make it seductive when young