TN: 1970 Mouton

Pat_Burton · December 13, 2012, 5:12pm

1970 Château Mouton Rothschild - France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac (12/12/2012)
From a 375. Mid shoulder fill. The was cork soaked completely through and some wine had clearly gotten stuck between the foil and cork. Regardless, the cork came out in a single piece. However, a horrid odor of rotting vegetables permeated the air while I removed the cork. Crestfallen, I decided to decant it in hopes that this smell would blow off. To my surprise, it did. The result was a fully mature wine. On the nose I detected worn leather, graphite, and a hint of raisins. The taste was true to the nose, adding in a bit of prune or perhaps fig as well as crystal clear acidity that caused my mouth to water. Yet the finish was short and the mid palate was a bit hollow. Ultimately, I expect this bottle was on the decline but still quite enjoyable. (90 pts.)

ToddFrench · December 13, 2012, 5:18pm

Wow, quite an old 375ml wine! You were quite fortunate that it was still drinkable, much less enjoyable.

Pat_Burton · December 13, 2012, 5:28pm

agreed. the out of pocket cost for this bottle made it worth the gamble to me though. I have had limited opportunities to try first growths so I rolled the dice…

David_K_o_l_i_n · December 13, 2012, 5:33pm

Thanks for the note. You had much better luck with a 375 than I’ve had with 750s of this wine over the last several decades. Never been one of my favorites (although I like the label)

Pat_Burton · December 13, 2012, 7:21pm

No problem. I might have been a bit generous with the score; I often struggle with scoring wines of this age.

David_K_o_l_i_n · December 13, 2012, 8:06pm

It’s also possible my case wasn’t right. Unfortunately, it was the wine I chose for the Kiddish Cup at my wedding - I’ll always have a special place for the '70 Mouton

Rauno_E_NZ · December 13, 2012, 8:07pm

Thanks Pat - I had a 750 early this year which was wonderfully mature. I’ve had no problems in 750s (and hoping that a magnum is even better)…