Chateau Mouton Rothschild 2002

A candidate for wine of the vintage, there are only 20,000 cases of the 2002 Mouton-Rothschild (there are 25,000 cases of the 2000). Made from low yields of 31 hectoliters per hectare, it is a blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot. The color may be the most saturated and opaque of any Medoc Cabernet-based 2002. It is a broad-flavored offering displaying tell-tale creme de cassis intermixed with smoke, cocoa, leather, and licorice. Still excruciatingly tannic, but incredibly dense, powerful, and rich, the phenolic measurements were nearly off the charts for this full-bodied, monster-sized Mouton. Given most Moutons’ track records, I suspect the 2002 will shut down after bottling, and perhaps need a minimum of 10-15 years to re-emerge. This is unquestionably a vin de garde for long-term cellaring. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2040