1982 Château Mouton-Rothschild, Premier Cru Classé Pauillac (Case 5)
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Given its 100-point rating at every stage of its 40-year evolution, unsurprisingly the '82 Mouton is absolutely and truly phenomenal. A little 'sleep-dust' at first after its 40-year slumber, but shakes it off very quickly and is very showy straight out of the blocks. The nose then builds and builds to an absolute crescendo of aromas - a really enticing, perfumed wine, with violets, crème de cassis and berry confit leading to graphite, bonfire, mint and bayleaf. Such a persistent, heady wine.
Tasted alongside the Haut-Brion, this has perhaps a nudge more intensity and poise. Profound, and still quite sweet primary on the palate with lots of dark berry fruit and a supple, grainy texture. Everything absolutely in balance here - what's not to like? In literary terms, both a blockbuster and a page-turner. I'm in 'Team Burgundy' generally, but this could convert me!
The finish just goes on and on. Irresistible now, but this probably has another 15+ years in the tank.
- Ben Godfrey, Head Wine Buyer
"The 1982 Mouton Rothschild is drinking brilliantly today, soaring from the glass with aromas of cassis, dark berry fruit, charcoal, pencil shavings, espresso roast and loamy soil. Full-bodied, ample and enveloping, it's a layered, sumptuous wine that's remarkably seamless and complete, with impressive concentration, ripe but lively acids and fine, melting tannins. Long and resonant, this is a great wine that can keep company with the likes of Mouton's 1961, 1959 and 1955."
100pts 'Perfect' | Drink 2002-2042
William Kelley | Robert Parker's - The Wine Advocate


