1996 Château Mouton Rothschild

I found a bottle of 1996 Mouton-Rothschild in my cellar a couple nights ago during a barbecue at my house for three Brunello di Montalcino producers, including Giacomo Neri, Giancarlo Piacenti and Roberto Gianelli. I had tasted some 2007 Chianti Classico Riservas during the day and they were enjoying trying some of the top ones at dinner, including the single vineyard wines from Castello di Ama. But they also wanted to try something “buono” from Bordeaux. I found the first growth Bordeaux tucked in the corner of the cellar.

I really thought it was going to be a knockout. Of course, 1996 is a famous vintage for Bordeaux, but I have always thought it was overrated because of all the rain in August. But Mouton and the other first growths made exceptional wines in 1996.

Anyway, the bottle I opened was fabulous on the nose with aromas of currants, cedar, sweet tobacco, incense, and flowers. It was full-bodied, with very fine silky tannins and similar flavors as the aromas. However, a slightly green undertone came thorough on the palate. It didn’t bother me, but the Italians seemed annoyed with it – even disappointed. Regardless, I scored the wine 94 points.

I would start drinking the wine. Decant an hour before serving. Find the wine.