Chateau Mouton Rothschild 1994

WEINWISSER: "Sattes Purpur-Granat, feiner Wasserrand. Verschlossenes, dichtes Bouquet, sehr kompakt, leicht pflaumige Duftnoten, ausladend, noch sehr jung. Im Gaumen fleischig, kompakt, saftige Tannine in einer noch nach Reife verlangenden Adstringenz, viel Potential. Ein Mouton-Klassiker, den man, verglichen mit den Preisen der Folgejahrgänge, noch recht günstig kaufen kann."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Ready to drink, the wine is simple, fresh, bright, and on the red fruit side with its strawberry, cherry and cassis personality. The wine is not overly complex and a it’s a little bit lean and green on the palate. This is what my friends from across the pond call a proper, classic luncheon claret."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "After less than persuasive performances in two potentially great years, 1989 and 1990, Mouton-Rothschild appears to have settled down, producing fine efforts in recent vintages, culminating with the enormously promising, unquestionably profound 1995. The 1994 appears to be the finest Mouton-Rothschild made following the 1986 and before the 1995's conception. The wine exhibits a dense, saturated purple color, followed by a classic Mouton nose of sweet black fruits intermingled with smoke, pain grillee, spice, and cedar. Medium to full-bodied, with outstanding concentration, a layered feel, plenty of tannin, and rich, concentrated fruit, this wine is similar to the fine 1988. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2025. By the way, the Dutch artist, Appel, has created a gorgeous label for the 1994. Although Mouton-Rothschild can be among the most inconsistent first-growths, when this estate gets everything right, the wine can be as compelling as any produced in Bordeaux."

JAMES SUCKLING: "This is still youthful in appearance with dark ruby color. It sets an excellent example for the 1994 vintage with a spicy, toasty nose showing lots of black currants and tar. It's full-bodied, refined and chewy. Drink or hold."

WINE SPECTATOR: "Dark-colored, with intense aromas of blackberries, tar and spice, and toasted oak notes as well. Full-bodied, with very silky tannins and a chewy, ripe fruit-accented finish. An impressive Mouton. Better in 1999."

DECANTER: "The great Michael Broadbent MW noted 'this is what my friends from across the pond would describe as a proper, classic luncheon claret'. Elegant and lighter on the palate, the fruit character here is more subdued with a cool, leafy edge. Toasty wood and spice notes in evidence but the acidity is more dominant than with the other vintages. Feels just a bit stringy and lean. At its best. Harvested 19 September to 1 October. 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc, 10% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot."