Monolope Ex

Even darker than 2010, and more youthful looking. Blackish crimson. Amazing opulence and richness. So sweet and yet with classic build and tension. Richness and tension. Long. Already enjoyable even if so youthful.

Super fruity and layered with incredible depth and length. Currants, plums, dried strawberries and cherries. Full body, soft and round tannins and gorgeous fruit. Sexy and voluptuous. Better in 2020.

The 2009 Mouton Rothschild is exceptionally beautiful. A huge, powerful wine, the 2009 possesses stunning richness and radiance, with plenty of underlying structure to support all of that exuberance. Smoke, grilled herbs, tobacco and incense give the 2009 much of its exotic, captivating personality. Seamless, opulent, yet with terrific freshness, the 2009 is sure to thrill those fortunate to own it for several decades. In a word: dazzling. The blend is 88% Cabernet Sauvignon and 12% Merlot. Harvest took place between September 23 and October 6 in a year marked with dry weather, higher than average temperatures and generous sunshine.

This will always be a great contrast to the dark power of the 2010, sporting lush layers of fig, boysenberry and blackberry confiture, carried by velvety tannins, flowing through a long, anise-, tobacco- and cocoa-fueled finish. Not shy on grip, but much rounder and plusher in feel. Hard to resist now, but there's absolutely no rush.

Tasted at the Mouton-Rothschild vertical in London, the 2009 Mouton-Rothschild is a stunning wine. But you know that already. Here I remarked upon its deep co lour vis-a-vis recent vintages. The aromatics have "firmed up" since I last tasted it, takes a little encouragement from the glass, and then its sheer purity washes across the senses. Blackberry and cold stone notes, bilberry and just a touch of graphite that was less noticeable than before. The palate remains weighty in the mouth, extraordinarily dense and yet still utterly composed and beautifully focused, segueing towards an intense spicy finish. I noticed Philippe Dhalluim almost laughing at the quality of this 2009, such is its pedigree and yet will it eclipse the 2010 Mouton-Rothschild? Time will tell. Magnificent. Tasted May 2016.