一位Nathaniel de Rothschild在1853年購置了Château Mouton Rothschild，其家族一直持續經營至今。在波爾多左岸五大酒莊中，Mouton Rothschild應該是最具話題性的。從原本二級酒莊，經由菲利普男爵多年的努力而得以在1973年破例晉升為一級酒莊的故事總是令人津津樂道；而每年邀請一位藝術家為新年份設計新酒標圖案的創舉，則是讓許多愛酒人士每年至少都要買一瓶來收藏。
不過Mouton Rothschild並不是虛有其表而得以晉身一級酒莊，在五大酒莊中，Mouton Rothschild的酒質風格可說是最華麗奔放的，既有Pauillac典型的結實骨架，口感又豐厚圓熟，常帶有成熟漿果和明顯燒烤香味，因此吸引了全球愛酒人士的高度人氣。
WA: 100 Drink Date: 2021 - 2050
The 1986 Mouton-Rothschild is a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot that was picked from 2 October until 16 October. Winemaker Philippe Dhalluin, who was not working at the property back then, told me that the pH was fairly low at 3.54 when it is usually around 3.75, due to the natural tartaric acid in the vines. It has a powerful and intense bouquet as always: exemplary graphite and cedar scents, a touch of black pepper and incense. It seems to unfurl in the glass, like a motor revving its engine. The palate is beautifully balanced with its trademark firm tannic structure, a Mouton-Rothschild with backbone and masculinity. Layers of black fruit intermingling with mint and graphite, a hint of licorice emanating from the Merlot, gently fanning out and my God, it is incredibly long. It is not like the 1985 Mouton-Rothschild that is so fleshy and generous. This is serious, aristocratic Mouton, a true vin de garde and yes, I do think drinkers will have to wait until it reaches its true peak. Sometimes that's just the way it is. Tasted September 2016.
