Mouton Rothschild 2018

This year's Grand Vin came from 66% of the chateau's harvest, with very low yields of only 28 hectolitres per hectare - that is well below historic averages. Mouton is about ambition, bold tannins, cedar and graphite. Even with its gravel soils so similar to Lafite, the wine always seems bolder and opulent. At 13.8% alcohol 2018 is still a big sheep, once again displaying its class as a most collectible icon that will live longer than most of us. -Tom Portet

James Suckling                     100
I am a little bit speechless about this one. I have not seen such earthy and totally deep character of the soil in a young Mouton in my career. Of course, I didn't taste 1945 or 1959 when they were young, but I have been lucky enough to have a few bottles in my life. There is really terroir-driven character to this. Layered and so intense with polished and incredible tannins.

Andrew Caillard, MW                       99
Deep colour. Beautiful blackcurrant mulberry aromas with mocha, roasted chestnut notes. Concentrated wine with lovely pure blackberry blackcurrant mulberry fruits, fine plentiful chalky tannins, mocha toasty roasted chestnut oak notes and super mineral length. Impressive wine with superb density and modulated power. Still in the elemental stage but in very good balance.

Lisa Perrotti-Brown                  97-99
Deep purple-black in color, it is a little closed to begin compared to some 2018s, slowly unfurling to reveal a profound nose of warm black plums, blackcurrant cordial, star anise, blueberry pie and mocha with suggestions of candied violets, oolong tea, camphor and unsmoked cigars plus a touch of crushed rocks. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers waves of opulent, spiced black and blue fruits with seamless acid lifting this gorgeous mouthfeel that is at once plush from the ripe fruit and firm and grainy from the super ripe tannins, finishing very long and wonderfully creamy.

Jeff Leve               98-100
Decanter                        99