2003 Chateau Mouton Rothschild, Pauillac, France 750ml

"Backward, powerful, and extremely tannic, the dense purple-colored 2003 Mouton-Rothschild, a blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot, fashioned from yields of 28 hectoliters per hectare, with a finished alcohol of 12.9%, improves dramatically with aeration. With full-bodied, meaty, powerful, dry flavors as well as a huge finish, this high class wine should be at its finest between 2012-2040+. During its sojourn in barrel, it reminded me of a hypothetical blend of the 1982 and 1986 Moutons, but since bottling, it appears different, and even more tannic than those two vintages. I still believe the finest recent Mouton-Rothschild is the 2000."

Blackberry, cherry and currant with just a hint of toasted oak. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a lovely combination of ripe fruit and vanilla character. Goes on and on. Long and very stylish. Balanced and refined. Best after 2011.

This is the best showing for Mouton ?03, although I wonder whether I was seduced by its ostentation? It has an exotic bouquet with aromas of mulberry, briary, dried blood and cooked meats, fine delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, suppler red-berried earthy fruit, minerals, very harmonious and focused with a feminine, supremely well-focused finish that caresses and seduces the senses. Tasted October 2010.