Wines Pauillac Château Mouton Rothschild - 1987

Viniou Reviews

Château Mouton Rothschild 1987 is an elegant expression of Pauillac, a historic appellation at the heart of Bordeaux's Left Bank. Composed predominantly of Cabernet Sauvignon, with complementary Merlot and touches of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, this Grand Cru Classé embodies both the grandeur and finesse of its terroir. The 1987 vintage was shaped by a challenging, cool and wet summer, but careful selection and meticulous vinification at Mouton Rothschild resulted in a wine that, with proper cellaring, has developed a nuanced and graceful profile over decades. Expect aromas of cedar, dried blackcurrant, undergrowth, and gentle tobacco, underpinned by finely integrated tannins and a medium-bodied palate. Time has softened its upfront fruit, giving way to complex layers of earth, spice, and classic Pauillac graphite.

Pauillac itself is set on a narrow strip of gravelly soils along the Gironde estuary, offering ideal drainage and heat retention for ripening late-harvest varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon. The region’s maritime climate tempers Bordeaux’s extremes, with enough warmth and sunlight to encourage depth and structure, but also morning mists from the estuary that enhance freshness and aromatic complexity. The legacy of Grand Cru estates like Mouton Rothschild, deep-rooted in the 1855 classification and further honed by generations of winemaking expertise, has firmly placed Pauillac—and Bordeaux as a whole—among the world’s most revered wine regions.

With its mature, understated profile, this 1987 vintage pairs beautifully with refined French cuisine. Consider traditional dishes such as roast lamb with rosemary, duck breast with shallot confit, or earthy mushroom fricassée. Pauillac’s gravitas is also a natural partner for aged hard cheeses like Comté or mimolette. When planning a pairing, seek gentle, nuanced flavours that will not overpower the wine’s delicate tertiary notes.

For optimal enjoyment, decant the wine gently to remove any sediment and allow subtle aromas to emerge. Serve at 17-18°C, allowing the wine to reveal its full spectrum of mature Pauillac character.