Whether its what James Suckling describes as the "wonderful combination of refinement and power" in Chateau Margaux or the complexity and depth of Chateau Mouton Rothschild that Jeb Dunnuck declares "quintessential Pauillac," these top scoring vintages from two iconic First Growth estates are guaranteed not to disappoint, a terrific opportunity to fill in the cellar with 100 pt. gems or treat yourself to the one of a kind pleasures that only First Growth Bordeaux can deliver in every vintage at best on the market pricing.
A seductive Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated blend, Chateau Margaux' 82-hectare vineyard boasts some vines over 80 years of age, producing exceptional quality fruit which undergoes rigorous selection with typically only a third or less of production making the cut for the Grand Vin and typically aged for 18 to 24 months in 100% new French oak barrels made at their onsite cooperage. A top scoring selection ranging from the stunning 100 pt. 2009 Margaux just entering its window of drinkability to the alluring 100 pt. 2020 Margaux declared "a Margaux for the ages" by Inside Bordeaux's Jane Anson, every vintage shares the Grand Vin's signature refinement and meticulous balance, offering floral aromatics and lush dark fruit with dense silky tannins that promise decades of enjoyment and all "elegant and utterly compelling" in the words of the Wine Advocate's William Kelley. A sumptuous and rich Cabernet Sauvignon blend known for its unique artwork labels that change with each vintage, Chateau Mouton Rothschild shares Margaux's "insane ability to age" according to Inside Bordeaux's Jane Anson, its 83 hectare vineyard at Pauillac's highest elevation planted to 81% Cabernet Sauvignon averaging 50 years of age with some vines over 130 years with only 50% of the harvest making the final cut for the Grand Vin and always aged in 100% new French oak typically for 19 to 22 months. Described as a "multi-dimensional First Growth with a very persistent finish" by Vinous critic Neal Martin, the dazzling 100 pt. 2009 Chateau Mouton Rothschild is ready to enjoy after over a decade of pristine cellaring while the stunning 100 pt. 2010 Mouton is "a battleship of a wine" according to the Wine Spectator's James Molesworth and not far behind, every vintage revealing the estate's signature seductive texture, velvety tannins and incredible depth and ranging to the "ethereal" 100 pt 2020 Mouton Rothschild that James Suckling declares "hard to not drink now," highlighting its approachability while acknowledging the potential for decades of evolution.
Representing the upper echelon in the Bordeaux hierarchy, some of these remarkable First Growths boast over a decade of cellaring and others require patient cellaring before pulling the cork, but all are guaranteed to "blow you away any time" over the next several decades in the words of Jeb Dunnuck, delivered in perfect provenance at exceptional value pricing.
Clearly a perfect wine that shows incredible depth of fruit with currants, dark chocolate, minerals and licorice. Full-bodied, tight and wound up with ripe tannins that let go and seduce you. Makes me want to drink it now. But this is a wine for the long term. Extraordinary. 94% cabernet sauvignon. Better in 2020.
100 points, James Suckling (Nov 2015)
This remains the stunner, a battleship of a wine, brimming with cassis, blackberry and fig fruit that has melded together now, with the backdrop of alder, bay leaf and menthol starting to emerge a bit more. The long finish is loaded with grip, pulling the fruit and other components together. And then there's that flash of iron at the very end. Awesome wine.—Non-blind Mouton-Rothschild vertical (March 2017). Best from 2025 through 2060.
99 points, James Molesworth, Wine Spectator (2017)
Deep garnet in color, the 2010 Mouton Rothschild is a little closed to begin, slowly unfurling to reveal notes of baked black cherries, crème de cassis, blackberry compote and bouquet garni with suggestions of sweaty leather, pencil lead, cedar chest and black truffles plus a hint of crushed rocks. Full-bodied, the palate is solidly constructed of super firm, ripe, grainy tannins and lively acidity, framing the densely packed black fruit, finishing on a persistent mineral note.
98 points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate (Mar 2020)
The 2010 Mouton-Rothschild is very deep in colour. It has an intense bouquet with blackberry, wild hedgerow, sous-bois and touches of peppermint. The palate is medium-bodied with very supple tannins and a fine bead of acidity. There is incredible focus to this First Growth with fabulous mineralité and tension on the finish. Tasted from an ex-château bottle at the BI Wines & Spirits 10-Year On tasting.
98 points, Neal Martin, Vinous (Apr 2020)
A dense, smooth and opulent wine bursting with ripe Cabernet Sauvignon flavors. It's regal and well structured, balancing the natural exuberance of Mouton with a more severe side. This is a wine with power, yet not without its charms from the fruitiness and final acidity. This great wine will age many, many years.
98 points, Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast (May 2013)
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