Château Mouton Rothschild 2003

The finesse and precision of a Pauillac Premier Cru Classé

The estate

It was in 1853 that Baron Nathaniel de Rothschild acquired Château Brane-Mouton at auction. Located in the heart of the Médoc, in the appellation of Pauillac, the estate was renamed Château Mouton Rothschild. In 1924, Baron Philippe de Rothschild took over the reins of the property. A visionary, he decided to initiate bottling directly at the estate and also designed a label for the wine. In 1973 Château Mouton Rothschild became a First Classified Growth. An icon of the Pauillac appellation, Château Mouton Rothschild has produced magnificent Bordeaux wines, known by wine lovers around the world.

The vineyard

Château Mouton Rothschild is a Pauillac wine that stems from a 90-hectare vineyard, located to the north-west of Bordeaux in the Médoc region. The vines are planted in stony, gravelly soils that capture the heat and restore it during the night, thus helping the grapes ripen. These poor, well-drained soils are lain over clay-gravelly subsoils, lending the wines of Château Mouton Rothschild a certain power, elegance and a tannic structure.

The label

The 2003 vintage celebrates the 150th anniversary of Mouton's entry into the Rothschild family heritage, passed down through five generations in direct line. To mark this event, Mouton Rothschild breaks with tradition by dedicating the label to Baron Nathaniel de Rothschild, who acquired this grand cru on May 11, 1853. The baron is represented by a period photograph, while the background of the label partially reproduces the purchase deed of the estate, carefully preserved in the property's archives. This work pays tribute to an uninterrupted love story between the Rothschild family and the great wines of Bordeaux.

The vintage

A cold, dry winter preceded an exceptionally mild month of March, which favoured early budburst in the vineyard. The dry conditions lasted from April to June. Although the rainfall recorded in July was ideal for the development of the vines, August was marked by a strong heatwave which, thanks to the deep roots and sufficient water supply, had a limited impact on the vineyard. In September, the hot and dry weather ensured a slow and gradual ripening of the grapes.

The blend

Cabernet Sauvignon (76%)
Merlot (14%)
Cabernet Franc (8%)
Petit Verdot (2%)

Château Mouton Rothschild 2003: Characteristics and tasting tips

The tasting

Colour
This wine showcases an intense colour with garnet hues.

Nose
A typical feature of the Cabernet varietal, the nose gives off fine aromas of blackcurrant, cedar, caramel and ripe fruit.

Palate
On the palate, the attack is frank. The palate is rich with full and muted tannins. The fruity expression blends with notes of spices, cigar and eucalyptus. The finish of this Pauillac wine is very expressive, long, powerful, harmonious and silky.