Chateau Mouton Rothschild 2008

FALSTAFF: "Dunkles Rubingranat, violette Reflexe, dezente Randaufhellung. Intensives Bukett, ätherische Nuancen von Minze, Eukalyptus, ein Hauch von Teer, sehr exotisches Aroma, florale Anklänge an Lilien und Veilchen, dunkle Beerenfrucht unterlegt. Saftig, fast opulent und rund, finessenreich strukturiert, gute Tannine, die sich integriert präsentieren, reife Herzkirschen im Abgang, elegant, süß und anhaltend, nähert sich einer ersten Antrinkphase, jedenfalls mit dieser Nase ein unverwechselbarer Mouton."

DECANTER: "Starting to really come into its own, this is packed full of savoury blackberry, redcurrant and blueberry fruit with layers of liquorice, black chocolate, grilled cedar and a gentle lick of salinity through the finish. Excellent quality, and now starting to open - it was a baby at the 10 years on tasting but has inched open over the past three years. Harvest from October 2-15, with relatively low yields of 34hl/ha. Drinking Window 2021 - 2040"

JEB DUNNUCK: "The 2008 Mouton Rothschild checks in as a blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon and 17% Merlot brought up in mostly new barrels. Undeniably one of the top wines in the vintage, it offers a rare opulence and sexiness in its awesome bouquet of crème de cassis, Asian spices, chocolate, and crushed flowers. Deep, full-bodied, powerful, and still young, it fills the mouth with fruit, has sweet tannin, and a great finish. It's still ruby/plum-colored, with no signs of evolution, but is far from unapproachable and is drinking incredibly well today. It will keep for another two decades."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Truffles, wet earth, tobacco wrapper, forest floor and leafy notes add to the nuances. Full bodied, firm, tannic and classically styled, the wine is still austere. There is plenty of fruit buried below the wall of tannins, but you will need time for the tannins to subside. This will take at least 10-15 more years before it is civilized."

WINE ENTHUSIAST: "A rich wine, opulent in character. There is power here, with richness of fruit and texture. It is both serious side and exuberant, with its bursting black berry fruits."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "Tasted at the Mouton-Rothschild vertical in London, the 2008 Mouton Rothschild has always been in the shadow of the ensuing couple of vintages, but I was not the only person at this tasting that commented upon the class in show here. It replicated previous showings: cedar and graphite present and correct, though accompanied by something a little more exotic - eucalyptus maybe? The palate is beautifully balanced, very detailed and extremely fresh. This conveys so much energy and animation before reverting towards a more classic and structured, pencil lead finish. Those in the know will stash up on the 2008 Mouton Rothschild because it is destined to turn into one of the "dark horses" of the decade. Tasted May 2016."

JAMES SUCKLING: "Aromas of roasted fruit plus hints of grilled meat and chocolate. Full body, firm and chewy tannins and bright acidity. Tangy and lively. Needs time still to come together to soften the tannins. A little hard."

WEINWISSER: "40 % Grand Vin (160 000 Flaschen – halb so viel wie beim Jahrgang 1970). 83 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 17 % Merlot. Mitteldunkles Granat, recht satte Mitte. Aromatisches Bouquet mit viel Wärme im ersten Nasenansatz, Arabica-Kaffee, dunkles, frisch gebackenes Brot, Pflaumen, Cassis, Giandujaschokonoten, Zedernduft und dominikanischer Tabak, über allem liegt ein feiner Karamellfilm. Süsser Gaumen, deutliche Mouton-Röstnoten, die Tannine sind – trotz innerem Rückhalt – schon recht rund und verleihen diesem Wein bereits in der Primeurverkostung Sex-Appeal. Im Finale Lakritze, Holunder und Cassisnoten mit wiederum reichlich Schokolade. Ein grosser Mouton, der in der Genussreife auf 19/20 steigen kann."

JANCIS ROBINSON: "Tasted blind. Particularly dark crimson. Quite dramatic. Well balanced but a bit cool and lacking intensity – but it’s long and well balanced. I want to drink this! Very fresh."

WINE SPECTATOR: "This shows the cool, leafy profile of the vintage, with fresh tobacco and bay notes standing out, while the core of plum and blackberry fruit continues to fill in behind them. Shows wet earth and singed alder elements through the finish. This has nearly dropped its angular feel and is developing well, with just a slight twinge of crisp acidity on the finish.—Non-blind Mouton-Rothschild vertical (March 2017). Drink now through 2036."