At the time it was shown as a barrel sample in early 2007, this was the best wine of 2006. That accolade remains. It has all the power of the Cabernet Sauvignon in Pauillac, which was the greatest success of the vintage. That power comes from the dense tannins as well as the black plum and spice flavors and minerality. The texture becomes velvet, giving a final richness, but never losing its long aging potential. In a year that is good, but not at the top, Mouton has made a great wine.
97 points, Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast (Mar 2009)
Tasted at the Mouton-Rothschild vertical in London, the 2006 Mouton-Rothschild was really the wine that put winemaker Philippe Dhalluin on the map, in the sense that unlike the 2005 born in a great vintage, this 2006 had to transcend it. It remains one of the standouts of the growing season and actually replicates previous showings just the week earlier and in January. As expected, the nose has quite brilliant delineation with blackberry, graphite, here an almost cold slate-like scent. The palate is harmonious with the carefully judged acidity, fine-grain tannin and immense detail on the finish. Recent bottles suggest that it may close up for several years, in which case, either enjoy this in the next few months or cellar this for a few years and receive vinous dividends down the line. Tasted May 2016.
96 points, Neal Martin, Wine Advocate (Jan 2017)
I loved the 2006 Château Mouton Rothschild, a complex, nuanced, flawlessly balanced Mouton based on 87% Cabernet Sauvignon and 13% Merlot. Tobacco, cedarwood, lead pencil shavings, and both red and black fruits define the bouquet, and this is clearly in its prime drink window, with a terrific mix of ripe fruit and just developing secondary aromas. Full-bodied and concentrated, with sweet tannins, this elegant, layered, silky 2006 has another 20 years of prime drinking. The label comes from the famed English portrait painter Lucien Freud (1922-2011).
96 points, Jeb Dunnuck (May 2023)
Opulent and a bit showy, the 2006 Mouton boasts pronounced aromas of blueberry, kirsch and currant with abundant evidence of cask ageing and hints of earth. The texture is dense and rich, but the tannins are supple, and there is no astringency here. Although the overall impression is lush, there is enough substance to suggest this will continue to improve for decades to come. The blend is 87% Cabernet Sauvignon and 13% Merlot; the team at Mouton waited until 20 September to begin picking.
96 points, Charles Curtis, Decanter (Mar 2025)
This is in an interesting spot right now, still sporting some youthful blackberry, cassis and plum fruit, with only secondary hints starting to emerge. Yet those secondary hints are very tantalizing, with well-worn cedar, tobacco and sanguine notes adding range and cut. There's a freshness throughout, yet also a supple edge, which allows the fruit to drape prettily on the finish. -- Non-blind Mouton-Rothschild vertical (March 2017). Drink now through 2034. 15,830 cases made.
95 points, James Molesworth, Wine Spectator (May 2017)
This is an eye-opener with a tight core of complex fruit character as well as subtle chocolate and spices. Full body, firm tannins and a classy finish. Holding back. Much better than expected. A vintage forgotten. Better in 2018.
95 points, James Suckling (Nov 2015)
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