Mouton-Rothschild Pauillac 1996

98 points Andy Howard, MW (Decanter): "The standout wine of the tasting (as expected). Opulent, concentrated with intense cassis notes on both the nose and palate, with a deep-purple hue in the glass (although not quite as deep as the 1995). Mint, cool, menthol on the nose with restrained oak hovering in the background. The palate is ultra-elegant with a freshness from the acidity and perfectly-ripe tannins, combined with subtle oak and intriguing spicy, cedary notes. A wine that is drinking beautifully now but still has one (or possibly two) decades to go. Harvested 27 September to 9 October. 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc. Drinking Window: 2022-2035. (Sep 2021)"

97+ points Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Wine Advocate): "The last time I tasted the 1996 Mouton Rothschild (maybe a couple of years ago?), I recall it was a bit broody and closed. This showing was anything but! Deep garnet in color, it sashays out of the glass with lavishly dressed, gregarious crème de cassis, baked blackberries and plum pudding scents plus touches of menthol, fenugreek, star anise and sandalwood with fleeting glimpses at dried rose petals and oolong tea. The full-bodied palate is richly fruited, opulent and oh-so seductive, with bags of youthful black fruit and lovely finely grained tannins, finishing with fantastic freshness and length. (Oct 2019)"

97 points International Wine Report: "The 1996 Château Mouton Rothschild is showing exceptionally well at this stage in its evolution. It instantly impresses with its classic aromatics of dark currants, dried cherries, dried tobacco, exotic spices, dried florals and even some mineral and tar nuances that all take shape beautifully in the glass. On the palate it possesses an absolutely gorgeous medium body with a seamless texture wrapped in beautifully silky tannins. Showing outstanding overall focus and balance this classy Pauillac goes on to display incredible elegance and charm all the way through the graceful finish. The 1996 is simply dazzling today and while it’s hard to see this evolving much further, it should continue hold nicely in the cellar for another decade of drinking pleasure. Composed of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. Drink: 2019-2026. (Sep 2019)"

96 points Wine Spectator: "Incredible nose of ultraripe fruit, it's yet subtle and complex. Full-bodied, with very ripe, almost sweet fruit and a long, long caressing finish. Superb. This is edging out the 1995.--'95/'96 Bordeaux retrospective. Best after 2010. (2007)"

96 points Jeff Leve (The Wine Cellar Insider): "Continuing to develop positively, the wine seems to have entered the start of its drinking window. The tannins softened and the wine has spread out on the palate, allowing to taste and feel the ripe, sweet, fresh currants, spice and blackberries, with its touch of herbs, cedar and leafy tobacco on the nose and palate. Drink from 2022-2045. (Nov 2022)"

95 points Neal Martin (Vinous): "The 1996 Mouton-Rothschild is the high point of what in retrospect was an inconsistent decade for this First Growth. It has a very attractive, classic Pauillac bouquet: predominantly black fruit laced with cedar, freshly rolled tobacco and light graphite scents. It is not lavish, but tightly controlled. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, though not as fine as recent vintages under Philippe Dhalluin. There is satisfying density and gentle grip toward the finish, which feels fresh and contains enough energy to suggest that it is only just reaching its plateau. Tasted from an ex-château jeroboam at the Palace of Versailles charity dinner. Drink: 2019-2040. (Dec 2019)"

95 points John Kapon (Vintage Tastings): "Mouton had two tough acts to follow, but it still was outstanding, showing more gourmet bread action of rye and pumpernickel alongside some other usual suspects. (11/2/11)"

94 points Robert Parker: "This estate's staff believes that the 1996 Mouton-Rothschild is very complex. I agree that among the first-growths, this wine is showing surprising forwardness and complexity in its aromatics. It possesses an exuberant, flamboyant bouquet of roasted coffee, cassis, smoky oak, and soy sauce. The impressive 1996 Mouton-Rothschild offers impressive aromas of black currants, framboise, coffee, and new saddle leather. This full-bodied, ripe, rich, concentrated, superbly balanced wine is paradoxical in the sense that the aromatics suggest a far more evolved wine than the flavors reveal. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2030. By the way, the 1996 blend consists of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, and 8% Cabernet Franc. (Apr 1999)"

94 points James Suckling: "Fabulous on the nose with aromas of currants, cedar, sweet tobacco, incense, and flowers. Full-bodied, with very fine silky tannins and similar flavors as the aromas. A slightly green undertone on the palate. Drink now. Decant an hour before serving. (3/17/15)"