Mouton Rothschild Pauillac 2018

100 points Jane Anson (Decanter): "This has so much tannic power, with density, layers and structure along with layers of blackberry, liquorice, baked earth, cigar box and the signature exotic spices of Mouton. A big, textured and complex wine that is taking it all in its stride. 100% new oak. There is the tiniest touch of Petit Verdot in the blend, but under 1%, so it’s not in the official figures. 62% of production went into the grand vin. 3.78pH. 88IPT. The artist for this vintage is Xu Bing. Drinking Window: 2028-2050. (Nov 2020)"

100 points James Suckling: "Exquisite purity of blackcurrants, raspberries and some citrus. The aromas flow from the glass. Full-bodied with seamless tannins that coat the palate and then fall into the center, to deliver a thoroughly refined and harmonious young red. Endless finish. 86% cabernet sauvignon. This is the new 1959, one of the legendary vintages of Mouton. Try after 2026. (1/20/21)"

100 points Chris Kissack (Winedoctor): "This is a blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, certainly one of the strongest showings from this variety in the appellation, with 12% Merlot and just 2% Cabernet Franc, as well as a tiny splash of Petit Verdot, too small to register in the percentages. The élevage was naturally in 100% new oak, for twenty months. I remember well tasting this wine with Philippe Dhalluin (who I am sad to say has since retired) and Eric Tourbier during the primeurs, as it was a stunning tour de force, the exotic essence of Pauillac. Now that it has been bottled it continues to impress with an energetic display of scented black cherry on the nose, no less floral than it appeared at the primeurs, but with all the little grilled, peppered, smoky, Mouton spice notes that run through the wines of this estate, vintage after vintage. The palate is classy despite its wonderful exuberance, the tannins silky and defined, entirely and harmoniously integrated into the substance of the wine. It is precise, restrained in the expression of its structure, but loaded with energy, moving at a pace across the palate. A brilliant showing from Mouton, one which will rank alongside the greatest vintages, and which will make a great addition to any cellar, although preferably with the correct label by accomplished Chinese artist Xu Bing (who receives a case of this as payment, lucky him). The alcohol, by the way, is 13.8%, another modest figure for this vintage. (Feb 2021)"

99 points Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Wine Advocate): "The 2018 Mouton Rothschild is a blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc—there is also a splash of all the Petit Verdot they had, but it doesn’t even register in the percentage. It has 13.8% alcohol, which is relatively modest for the vintage. Deep garnet-purple colored, it straight away pops with bright, vivacious notes of crushed blackcurrants, juicy blackberries and redcurrant jelly with slowly emerging nuances of candied violets, stewed plums, licorice and black tea, plus a waft of dusty red soil. The medium-bodied palate is built like a brick house with super firm, super ripe, grainy tannins and bold freshness supporting the muscular black fruits, finishing long and savory with lingering mineral suggestions. This is so, so delicious and, due to the ripeness of tannins, approachable now. It will be difficult to keep your mitts off it for a good 5-7 years, when all those tightly tucked away nuances should begin to emerge. After that, it should improve over the course of 25 years or more and drink for 40+. Drink: 2027-2067. (Mar 2021)"

99 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2018 Mouton Rothschild is a rich, shockingly flamboyant wine endowed with tremendous fruit density and a level of unctuousness that could be taken for a wine still in barrel. Marvelously open and fleshy, the 2018 is utterly breathtaking today. I imagine it will shut down at some point, but today it is all seduction here. Ripe red cherry, plum, mocha, spice and cedar infuse the 2018 with tons of complexity. This is a tremendous showing. Drink: 2028-2058. (Mar 2021)"

99 points Peter Moser (Falstaff): "Dark ruby garnet, deep core, purple reflections and subtle brightening on the rim. Fine noble wood savouriness, delicate cedar, fresh with fine notes of red berry, cassis and tobacco, still a little reserved. Juicy, black cherry, fruit sweetness, ripe, silky tannins, lively structure, mineral and beautifully balanced. Already well developed with a fine and long savoury finish. Light-footed, elegant with lots of complexity and seriously age-worthy. (2025-2070). (2/14/21)"

99 points Wine Enthusiast: "Dense structure, powerful tannins and intense black fruits are contained within this wine that shows richness and sustained concentration as well as amazing freshness. The 86% Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend is the secret of this great wine that is sure to age magnificently. Don't think about drinking before 2029. Alcohol 14.5%. (May 2021)"