The 2018 Château Mouton Rothschild is a deep, intense wine with aromas of blackcurrants, blackberries, cherries, and spice. Full-bodied with creamy tannins, it offers rich fruit flavors and a long, mineral finish. A blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Franc, it has excellent aging potential, earning RP 99 and JS 100. The label was designed by Xu Bing.

James Suckling | JS 100
Published: Feb 3, 2022

Exquisite purity of blackcurrants, raspberries and some citrus. The aromas flow from the glass. Full-bodied with seamless tannins that coat the palate and then fall into the center, to deliver a thoroughly refined and harmonious young red. Endless finish. 86% cabernet sauvignon. This is the new 1959, one of the legendary vintages of Mouton. Try after 2026.

Decanter | D 100
Published: Nov 10, 2020

This has so much tannic power, with density, layers and structure along with layers of blackberry, liquorice, baked earth, cigar box and the signature exotic spices of Mouton. A big, textured and complex wine that is taking it all in its stride. 100% new oak. There is the tiniest touch of Petit Verdot in the blend, but under 1%, so it’s not in the official figures. 62% of production went into the grand vin. 3.78pH. 88IPT. The artist for this vintage is Xu Bing.

The Wine Advocate | RP 99
Published: Mar 31, 2021
Drink: 2027-2067

The 2018 Mouton Rothschild is a blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc there is also a splash of all the Petit Verdot they had, but it doesn?t even register in the percentage. It has 13.8% alcohol, which is relatively modest for the vintage. Deep garnet-purple colored, it straight away pops with bright, vivacious notes of crushed blackcurrants, juicy blackberries and redcurrant jelly with slowly emerging nuances of candied violets, stewed plums, licorice and black tea, plus a waft of dusty red soil. The medium-bodied palate is built like a brick house with super firm, super ripe, grainy tannins and bold freshness supporting the muscular black fruits, finishing long and savory with lingering mineral suggestions. This is so, so delicious and, due to the ripeness of tannins, approachable now. It will be difficult to keep your mitts off it for a good 5-7 years, when all those tightly tucked away nuances should begin to emerge. After that, it should improve over the course of 25 years or more and drink for 40+. 

Jancis Robinson | JR 18.5
Published: Feb 10, 2022
Drink: 2028-2048

Tasted blind. Another wine that’s also heady and rich but tightens up on the finish. Classy though it’s a tiny bit drying on the end. But there’s a lot of pleasure there. Refined and very long. 

Vivino | Vivino 4.6

The supremely elegant nose displays red fruit aromas with touches of spice. On the palate, a smooth, creamy attack yields powerful, velvet tannins. The roundness is remarkable, giving the wine very attractive length. The finish reveals vanilla and chocolate aromas, with pleasant floral notes.

Chateau-mouton-rothschild.com

2018 Tasting Notes
The wine has an intense, deep black colour.
The nose reveals intense ripe fruit aromas and nutmeg notes, set off by touches of mint.
The ample, full and refined attack opens on blackberry and cherry flavours lifted by a hint of spice. Generous, creamy and well-rounded tannins underpin candied flavours, giving an overall impression of succulence.

Illustration of the label: Xu Bing (1955-)