The 2006 Château Mouton Rothschild (87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot) is a complex wine with aromas of blackberry, graphite, tobacco, and toasted hazelnut. The palate is full and creamy, with crisp tannins and a powerful finish. It showcases classic Mouton elegance with a touch of austerity. Tasted in 2016, it was balanced and harmonious but may improve with further aging. The label was designed by artist Lucian Freud.

The Wine Advocate | RP 96
Published: Jan 31, 2017
Drink: 2023-2055

Tasted at the Mouton-Rothschild vertical in London, the 2006 Mouton-Rothschild was really the wine that put winemaker Philippe Dhalluin on the map, in the sense that unlike the 2005 born in a great vintage, this 2006 had to transcend it. It remains one of the standouts of the growing season and actually replicates previous showings just the week earlier and in January. As expected, the nose has quite brilliant delineation with blackberry, graphite, here an almost cold slate-like scent. The palate is harmonious with the carefully judged acidity, fine-grain tannin and immense detail on the finish. Recent bottles suggest that it may close up for several years, in which case, either enjoy this in the next few months or cellar this for a few years and receive vinous dividends down the line. Tasted May 2016. 

Jamessuckling.com | JS 95
Published: Nov 17, 2015

This is an eye-opener with a tight core of complex fruit character as well as subtle chocolate and spices. Full body, firm tannins and a classy finish. Holding back. Much better than expected. A vintage forgotten. Better in 2018. 

Decanter | D 95
Published: Chateau Mouton Rothschild through the ages
Drink: 2018-2040

The breadth and depth of this wine is impossible to ignore. Tobacco notes blend with cappuccino, cedar and grilled almonds. This is classy, with just the right amount of abandon. Grilled black fruits are very Mouton, but with the touch of austerity and pulled-in, pared-down tannins that tell you it’s 2006. Complex and complete.
Closure: Natural Cork
Alcohol: 13.50%
Grapes: 87% Cabernet Sauvignon 13% Merlot

Jancisrobinson.com | JR 16.5
Published: Feb 21, 2020
Drink: 2011-2026

Cooked black fruit with spicy oak and a little hint of oxidation, which compromises freshness. Dry and aloof. 

Chateau-mouton-rothschild.com

Harvest:20 September to 5 October
Varietal mix: Cabernet Sauvignon 87%, Merlot 13%

Tasting notes: The wine is an attractive, intense and dark cherry red. With Cabernet Sauvignon predominant, the blend of Chateau Mouton Rothschild 2006 expresses a complex and intense array of aromas, combining fruit (bilberry) and milky notes with the toasted aromas (blond tobacco, incense, toasted hazelnut) of judicious oak. The precise and harmonious attack is prolonged by fresh and crisp, richly flavoured tannins, while the palate is full, creamy and powerful. Chateau Mouton Rothschild 2006 is in the line of the great classics produced by the estate.1922

Climatic conditions: 2006 was a year of surprises, marked by unusual conditions that will remain in the memory. Generally speaking the weather was hot and dry, with much higher temperatures than the seasonal average in June, July and September. Such untypical conditions at key times during the vine growth cycle had a far-reaching and beneficial effect on the future quality of the crop. Heavy rain at the end of the winter was followed by a long spell of warm and dry weather in April, May and June, enabling the vegetation cycle to catch up after a relatively late start. Flowering took place early and evenly, starting in late May. Veraison likewise began very early, mid-veraison occurring four days ahead of the average, though very hot weather in the second half of July slowed the process. A total of 459 mm of rain fell between 1 January and 31 August 2006, compared with an average of 517 mm. The grapes started to ripen slowly in the cooler temperatures of August but subsequently accelerated in the exceptional conditions of the first half of September, with heatwave temperatures in the early part of the month. A period of high temperatures and humidity soon brought the Merlots to maturity and picking began on 20 September. The harvest lasted until 5 October in variable weather conditions, producing a crop of fully mature grapes in excellent condition.
Illustration of the Label: Lucian Freud (1922-2011)