Chateau Mouton Rothschild 1995

WEINWISSER: "Sehr klassisches, vielschichtiges Mouton-Bouquet mit viel Cassiswürze, Zeder, Edelhölzer, Trüffel und Veilchen. Im Mund mit komplexer, changierender Aromatik, dabei sehr dicht und kraftvoll verwoben, wirkt dennoch fast rassig mit festem Tanninkorsett, das sich über die frische Frucht legt, wunderbar elegant und vielschichtig mit langem Abgang. Ist jetzt im beginnenden Trinkplateau."

DECANTER: "Still remarkably dark, intense and youthful in appearance, this Mouton shows more flamboyant characters on the nose than other vintages, with spices, cigar-box and blackcurrant leaf all to the fore. Rich, dense and fleshy palate with plenty of stuffing for further ageing. An impressive Mouton which lives up to the ‘star’ billing for the 1995 vintage with nearly all of the components in great balance. The only question mark regards the firm, slightly drying tannins, which still need to fully integrate. I suspect they will, but the 1995 may not quite reach the height of the 1996. Harvested 12 September to 27 September. 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc."

JAMES SUCKLING: "This explodes on the nose with prunes, blackberries, mushrooms and fresh tobacco. Full body, ripe tannins and a juicy finish. Big and powerful. Still could do with a decade or more of aging. "

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "While the 1995 Mouton Rothschild has begun to soften somewhat in the last six or seven years, it remains remarkably youthful. Offering up a deep and primary bouquet of ripe cassis fruit and creamy new oak, it's medium to full-bodied, rich and layered, with a vibrant core of concentrated fruit, powdery tannins and a long, resonant finish. This is a pure, beautifully balanced Mouton that simply hasn't evolved very much, even as it closes in on its third decade. While I can attest that it can be drunk with great enjoyment today, real complexity has yet to emerge."

JANCIS ROBINSON: "Even darker than the 1996, this Mouton is still remarkably youthful in appearance. More flamboyant on the nose, with cigar-box, spices and leafy blackcurrant notes all evident. There is plenty of concentration and weight for further ageing, although the tannins are a little dry – perhaps a reflection of the harvest conditions. Still a very impressive Mouton."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Classic, firm, old-school, tannic-edged, full-bodied, almost stoic wine, the fruit is bright, crisp and edgy, with savory, herbal nuances, peppery spices, cedar and tobacco to boot. It is not a lot of fun to drink today. If you have the wine and patience, you should give it a decade in the cellar before opening a bottle."

WINE SPECTATOR: "Aromas of ripe fruit and grilled meat follow through to a full-bodied palate, with velvety tannins and a long caressing finish. Very beautiful wine. Mouton shows finesse yet richness in this vintage.--´95/´96 Bordeaux retrospective. Best after 2007."

FALSTAFF: "Diesen tollen Wein verfolge ich nun bereits seit der Fassprobe, er war immer groß, nur in letzter Zeit wurde er etwas bockig, zweimal recht verschlossen."