Chateau Mouton Rothschild 2003

It is well-known that each year since 1945 a great painter has illustrated the Château Mouton Rothschild label. The 2003 vintage is an exception, however, marking the 150th anniversary of Mouton's entry into the family to which it has since belonged without interruption for five generations. Baroness Philippine de Rothschild has therefore decided to depart from tradition by devoting the entire label to Baron Nathaniel de Rothschild (1812-1870), her direct ancestor from the English branch of the family who acquired the Mouton estate on 11 May 1853.

Baron Nathaniel is depicted on the label in a period photograph. The background shows part of the deed of sale. This document, carefully preserved in the Mouton archives, marks the beginning of a long love story between the Rothschilds and the great wines of Bordeaux.

The wine has an intense, vivid color with a lovely violet tint. The nose opens rapidly on very rich aromas, combining juicy ripe fruit, blackberry and crushed blackcurrant with more complex notes of fine oak that usher in aromas of vanilla, mocha and cedarwood.

Full on the palate, showing roundness and refinement on nicely present, stylish and well-rounded tannins, it mingles very ripe, almost jammy fruit with touches of toast, caramel and spice, building to a highly expressive finish that has charm, power and length. The style of this Mouton strikes a fine balance between fruit, freshness and elegance.