1978 Chateau Mouton Rothschild Premier Cru Classe, Pauillac 1x75cl

Vinous 87

(85% cabernet sauvignon, 7% cabernet franc, 6% merlot and 2% petit verdot): Bright garnet-tinged red. Aromas of red berries, flowers and dried herbs display a slightly herbal, almost green bell pepper nuance; this doesn’t smell completely ripe to me. Enters the mouth sweet, round and fleshy, with redcurrant, red cherry and citrus flavors, then turns saline and spicy toward the back. The smoothly tannic finish features noteworthy sweetness, mouthwatering acidity and a trace of heat, but this is a disappointing wine for Mouton. The beginning of the year was rainy, with a late start to the growth cycle, while the rest of the growing season was sunny but not particularly warm. The harvest took place in October. [Ian D’Agata, 08/01/2011]