Wines Pauillac Château Mouton Rothschild - 1985

Château Mouton Rothschild 1985 is a distinguished red wine from Pauillac, one of the most esteemed appellations within Bordeaux’s Médoc region. Crafted predominantly from Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot and a touch of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, this Grand Cru Classé embodies the essence of left bank Bordeaux. The 1985 vintage benefited from a warm, consistent growing season, resulting in grapes with optimal ripeness and concentration. After meticulous hand-harvesting, the wine spent significant time ageing in new French oak barrels, imparting layers of complexity to its already profound character. In the glass, it reveals a deep garnet hue, and, with age, the bouquet offers developed aromas of blackcurrant, cedar, tobacco, leather, and subtle spices, while the palate is silky yet structured, with a lingering finish.

The Pauillac appellation sits at the heart of the Médoc, flanked by the Gironde estuary. This location benefits from a mild maritime climate, with cooling breezes moderating summer heat and preventing frost in the spring. The soil is predominantly gravelly, ensuring excellent drainage and obliging the vines to burrow deep in search of nutrients—an essential factor in the production of concentrated, long-lived wines. Pauillac’s reputation is built on history and excellence, as it is home to three of the five First Growths of Bordeaux, with Mouton Rothschild joining that canon in 1973. The legacy of the Rothschild family is evident in the precision and artistry of each vintage, often reflected in unique, artist-designed labels.

Pairing Château Mouton Rothschild 1985 demands dishes of comparable sophistication and depth. Classic matches include roast rack of lamb, preferably Pauillac lamb, or beef Wellington. Game such as venison or duck, enhanced with wild mushrooms or truffles, will highlight the wine’s earthy nuances. Regional cuisine like entrecôte à la bordelaise marries perfectly with the wine’s structure, and mature cheeses such as aged Comté or Ossau-Iraty make a fitting close to the meal.

To fully appreciate the maturity and subtlety of this vintage, decant gently to separate any sediment, and serve at 17-18°C. Allow the wine time to open in the glass, revealing the multi-layered complexity characteristic of great aged Pauillac.