Bordeaux 2012 En Primeur: Château Mouton Rothschild – 2012 & 2011, Back to Back

During the recent 2012 en primeur campaign, James visited Château Mouton Rothschild and had the chance of tasting both the 2012 and 2011 vintages back to back. After being asked by James to choose between the two vintages, Philippe Dhalluin, managing director at Mouton Rothschild, answered, "I have a little preference for the 2012." For Philippe, the 2012 vintage – throughout the area that comprises Mouton, Clerc Milon and d'Armailhac – was characterized by a homogenous level of improved quality.

In addition to this, a new vat room has recently been put to use, with 2012 being its first vintage. For Philippe and his team, the new facilities have given them the opportunity to make the selection process much more thorough and precise. "We are able to make micro-selections plot by plot," added Philipe.

Watch the video to learn about what differentiates these two vintages at one of Pauillac's famed first-growths.

-JGAL