CHÂTEAU MOUTON ROTHSCHILD

This delivers a large core of pure, unadorned cassis, accented by notes of anise, plum cake, mint and bitter plum coulis. The core has serious heft, supported easily by a riveting iron spine that shows superb length through the finish. A prodigious display of power and cut. Best from 2022 through 2040. Drinking range: 2022 - 2040 Rating: 96 James Molesworth, The Wine Spectator (Jan 2017)

Very pure, with a core of cassis and plum fruit infused with a bright anise note, draped over a solid structure. Iron-edged grip pulls everything into focus. Drinking range: 2020 - 2030 Rating: 92 James Molesworth, The Wine Spectator (Jan 2017)

The Château Mouton-Rothschild 2014 contains more tannin than the 2010 according to winemaker Philippe Dhalluin, although he stressed that this does not imply that they were finer tannin. The blend is 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc and it will of course, be matured in 100% new oak. The alcohol level just tops 13%, the first time since 2010. It has a classic Mouton nose, the slightly higher percentage of Merlot lending a little flamboyance and flair with scents of blackberry, warm gravel and cigar box scents. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, armed with powerful core of quite rich black fruit interlaced with tobacco and allspice. There is very good structure here, a fine edginess towards the white pepper infused finish. There is almost a nuttiness to this wine, to wit, a fascinating maze-like Mouton in the making and perhaps a more cerebral Mouton compared to recent vintages. Tasted twice, almost two weeks apart, with consistent notes. Drinking range: 2020 - 2040 Rating: 94-96 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (May 2015)

Dark and enveloping to the core, the 2014 Mouton Rothschild opens with beguiling scents of violet, new leather, dark spice and plum. There is plenty of tannin lurking beneath, but the overall impression is of fleshiness and seamlessness, with the 100% new oak also beautifully balanced for such a young wine. Layers of flavor build to the effortless, concentrated finish in a sexy Mouton that is likely to reward consumers with many years of fine drinking. I very much like the sense of balance here. Rating: 93-96 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Apr 2015)

81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc. Deep crimson. Fragrant almost soapy nose. (Fine soap!) Good direct fruit and confidence but very much in a minor key. Almost recalls Latour in its lighter, fresher style. No sweetness. No perceptible alcohol. Easy and relaxed. Only medium weight. Certainly not opulent. Brisk finish. I may be underrating this and look forward to retasting it in Bordeaux in July. Drinking range: 2024 - 2038 Rating: 17.5+ Jancis Robinson OBE MW - www.JancisRobinson.com (Apr 2015)

Explosively floral nose – the usual exotic Mouton fruit underlined by very ripe 16% Merlot. The classic 'iron fist in a velvet glove', with ripe tannins and marvellous structure. Its true qualities will need time to show. (Outstanding Pauillac, Decanter.) Drinking range: 2022 - 2045 Rating: 95+ Steven Spurrier (Apr 2015)

The floral mix on the nose has lots of charm with red fruits and black fruits giving complexity. Sweet and rich at the start lots of cassis some firmer black cherry with at the back bramble and red fruit freshness the finish lighter fragrant with length of fruit. Drinking range: 2027 - 2040 Rating: 93-96 Derek Smedley MW, www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk (Apr 2015)

A rich, yet backward Mouton, this is denser and more powerful than the other First Growths in 2014, but perhaps doesn’t have quite the same finesse. Cedarwood, aromatic herbs, some mocha and cassis, with plush tannins and a smooth, persistent finish. (One of Tim's Top 10 Left Bank Reds.) Drinking range: 2024 - 2035 Rating: 95 Tim Atkin MW, www.timatkin.com (Apr 2015)

This captures the pure, distilled essence of Cabernet Sauvignon, with a racy core of red and black currant fruit that almost struts alone, but there's ample roasted apple wood and iron deeply buried in the background, which should emerge with time. The finish has terrific delineation, with a mouth-watering edge despite clearly abundant tannins. The focus on purity in this wine is what's most impressive over the last several vintages. Rating: 95-98 James Molesworth, The Wine Spectator (Apr 2015)

This is incredibly minerally with a maritime character as well as red iodine, algae, currants and great intensity. Some saltiness. Almost like a pearl in an oyster shell. This is a true wine of the soil for Mouton. Full body, racy tannins and lingering. Excellent. Unique. 81% cabernet sauvignon, 16% merlot and 4% cabernet franc. Rating: 96-97 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Mar 2015)