Mouton Rothschild 1996

An attractive red, shading slightly too orange at the rim, the wine has an open and intense nose on black fruit aromas like cherry and blackberry, along with cedarwood, fresh mint, some more floral notes, and perfectly integrated oak.

From the outset, the full palate offers opulence and an attractive density, with remarkable depth of flavor. A rigorous mid-palate offers a texture of refined and silky tannins in a display of controlled power before a more tender finish.

Blend: 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc

Critical Acclaim

97 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The last time I tasted the 1996 Mouton Rothschild (maybe a couple of years ago?), I recall it was a bit broody and closed. This showing was anything but! Deep garnet in color, it sashays out of the glass with lavishly dressed, gregarious crème de cassis, baked blackberries, and plum pudding scents plus touches of menthol, fenugreek, star anise, and sandalwood with fleeting glimpses at dried rose petals and oolong tea. The full-bodied palate is richly fruited, opulent, and oh-so seductive, with bags of youthful black fruit and lovely finely grained tannins, finishing with fantastic freshness and length.

96 Wine Spectator

Incredible nose of ultraripe fruit, it's yet subtle and complex. Full-bodied, with very ripe, almost sweet fruit and a long, long caressing finish. Superb. This is edging out 1995.--'95/'96 Bordeaux retrospective. Best after 2010.

94 James Suckling

The bottle I opened was fabulous on the nose with aromas of currants, cedar, sweet tobacco, incense, and flowers. It was full-bodied, with very fine silky tannins and similar flavors as the aromas. However, a slightly green undertone came thoroughly on the palate. It didn’t bother me, but the Italians seemed annoyed with it – even disappointed. Regardless, I scored the wine.

95 Vinous

The 1996 Mouton-Rothschild is the high point of what in retrospect was an inconsistent decade for this First Growth. It has a very attractive, classic Pauillac bouquet: predominantly black fruit laced with cedar, freshly rolled tobacco, and light graphite scents. It is not lavish, but tightly controlled. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, though not as fine as recent vintages under Philippe Dhalluin. There is satisfying density and gentle grip toward the finish, which feels fresh and contains enough energy to suggest that it is only just reaching its plateau. 

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