Château Mouton Rothschild Premier Grand Cru Classé Red 2011 Pauillac
Description
Vintage details
2011 was one of the hottest, sunniest and, above all, driest of the last forty years. Very warm weather in April and May gave the vegetation cycle a head start : flowering was recorded on 15 May, the earliest date in living memory, and veraison started two-and-half weeks earlier than normal. Conditions in July and August were very different, bringing less sunshine and significantly more precipitation. By the end of August, however, only 326 mm of rainfall had been recorded since 1 January, compared with an average of 519 mm. Fine weather returned to the Médoc in early September and bright sunshine prevailed throughout the two weeks of the harvest, which began on 12 September. These auspicious conditions were extremely beneficial, allowing the grapes to ripen fully. Picking ended on 28 September. Low yields, especially at Mouton, have produced structured, deep and very fresh wines. 2011 is thus a classic Bordeaux vintage, to be ranked among the finer, or perhaps even the finest.
Tasting notes
The colour is intense, a dark red with brilliant highlights. 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. A very fine, classic Mouton and a great success in a tricky vintage.