Wines Pauillac Château Mouton Rothschild - 1999

Château Mouton Rothschild 1999 hails from the prestigious Pauillac appellation in Bordeaux’s Médoc, a region revered for producing some of the world’s greatest red wines. This wine is a classic Bordeaux blend, with Cabernet Sauvignon as the dominant grape, typically complemented by Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and a touch of Petit Verdot. The 1999 vintage saw a moderately warm growing season, with rain towards harvest that required careful selection in the vineyard and cellar. Ageing in new oak barrels imparted refinement and complexity, highlighting the estate’s signature opulence and finesse. Now matured, this vintage reveals nuanced layers of blackcurrant, cedar, tobacco leaf, graphite, and subtle earthy notes, woven together with silken tannins and a lengthy, harmonious finish.

Pauillac sits on the left bank of the Gironde, in the heart of Bordeaux’s Médoc. The region’s famed gravelly soils provide excellent drainage, encouraging deep root growth and concentration of flavours. The maritime climate, tempered by the nearby river and Atlantic influence, ensures a long, balanced ripening period for the grapes, bringing structure and elegance to the wines. Pauillac’s history is deeply interwoven with the Bordeaux tradition, home to three of the five legendary First Growths, including Mouton Rothschild. The estate itself is renowned not only for the quality of its wines but also for its iconic labels and commitment to excellence for over a century.

Such a noble Pauillac calls for equally refined pairings. The wine’s structure and depth make it a classic companion for rib of beef or roast lamb, perhaps with a Bordelaise sauce or seasonal mushrooms, which echo the wine’s earthy undertones. Traditional French cuisine such as duck confit or a mushroom and truffle risotto can accentuate its tertiary flavours, while aged cheeses like Comté or Ossau-Iraty stand up beautifully to its power and complexity.

To fully appreciate its bouquet and palate, decant gently an hour before serving. The ideal serving temperature lies between 16 and 18°C, allowing the wine’s aromas and silken texture to unfurl gracefully in the glass.