2010 Château Mouton Rothschild, Pauillac

Label artist: Jeff Koons

Representative blend: 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc

Annual production: 17,000 cases and 3,000 cases of the second wine, Petit Mouton. There is also a small amount of white produced: Aile d`Argent.

The only wine ever to have moved up the 1855 classification - from second to first growth in 1973 - `Mouton`, as it is universally known, is a profoundly unique wine in Bordeaux. While the vineyards lie adjacent to those of Lafite, the wine could scarcely be more different. Mouton has a unique nose of spice, cedarwood and cassis and always has greater weight than Lafite. Since the Second World War, Mouton`s singularity has only been enhanced by its artists labels - a different artist for each vintage. This makes it a particular favourite of collectors.

Tasting Note

Nicholas Jackson: In 2017, already wonderful and irresistible. What a brilliant Mouton this is! Sensational expression on the nose: all deep spice and toastiness, which is so Mouton. And then it just purrs along the palate; all self-assured, composed, immaculately pure Cabernet glory. This is first growth through and through - unrestrained and immense. Outstanding, both now and forever.

Jamie Ritchie: Wonderfully powerful cassis fruit - very creamy and rich. Classic Mouton, with great blackcurrant power (crème de cassis), aligned with mintiness. Enormously concentrated tannic finish, but balanced by depth of fruit. This is the highest known percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend and shows just how great the Cabernet is in this vintage. Wonderful freshness at the finish. Powerful, but with balance, finesse and structure. A great Mouton - made for the long term, but showing very well right now. 04/11