Mouton Rothschild 1996

Three decades old, Chateau Mouton Rothschild 1996 is an opulent, fully resolved Pauillac first growth with intense cassis character and a deep purple hue that belies its age.

An open and intense nose of black fruit - cherry and blackberry - combines with cedarwood, fresh mint and floral notes over perfectly integrated oak. The full palate offers opulence and attractive density with remarkable depth of flavour, a rigorous mid-palate of refined, silky tannins showing controlled power, and a tender, currant-and-tobacco finish.

• Producer: Chateau Mouton Rothschild
• Country: France
• Region: Bordeaux
• Appellation: Pauillac
• Vintage: 1996
• Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant Bordeaux blend with Merlot and Cabernet Franc
• Bottle size: 75cl
• Alcohol: 12.5% ABV
• Style: Full-bodied dry red wine, now fully mature
• Critic score: 94 points, James Suckling
• Serving temperature: 16-18C
• Decanting: Decant gently 30 minutes before serving; older vintage may carry sediment
• Food pairing: Aged beef rib, game pie, mature Cheddar
• Storage: Store horizontally in a cool, dark place with a stable temperature
• Drinking window: Fully mature, drinking beautifully now