One of the Médoc’s landmark names, the Château Mouton Rothschild 2001 embodies the nobility of a high-born Pauillac. Intended for discerning enthusiasts, demanding collectors and anyone wishing to offer guests a memorable dining experience, this Premier Grand Cru Classé marries depth with harmony. The commanding structure of Cabernet Sauvignon expresses itself with dignity, supported by meticulous barrel ageing that refines the tannin grain without dulling its vibrancy. The 2001 vintage displays a classic, upright energy where concentration never compromises freshness. With a label entrusted to American artist Bob Wilson, this bottle evokes emotion beyond tasting, creating a bridge between wine heritage and creative gesture. Served at 16 °C, the wine gradually reveals a well-held aromatic palette, serene length and a majestically lingering finish.

Blend and winemaking

Pauillac at heart, this 2001 is built around a blend dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, supported by Merlot and a touch of Cabernet Franc. The proportions classically observed for this vintage are approximately 86 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 12 % Merlot and 2 % Cabernet Franc. A calm ripening of the harvest combined with controlled extraction creates a dense, precise framework. Barrel ageing, carried out over 19 à 22 mois, brings patina and complexity, gently integrating the oaky notes into an exceptionally cohesive whole.

Tasting notes

• Appearance : Deep garnet with dark hues, clear and concentrated, announcing strong vitality in the glass.
• Nose : A complex bouquet of blackcurrant and blackberry, cedar and graphite, blond tobacco and subtle smoke, with hints of sweet spice and cocoa bean.
• Palate : A direct, expansive attack, silky yet firm tannins, a juicy and elegant mid-palate. The profile is precise, driven by contained freshness and a long finish marked by lingering dark fruit and a smoky touch.

Serving temperature and advice

Serve at 16 °C in large tulip glasses to encourage the bouquet to open. Moderate aeration, in a decanter or simply in the bottle after opening, highlights the finesse of the tannin grain and the aromatic dimension. Store your bottles in a cellar, undisturbed, away from light and temperature fluctuations. This vintage has a solid foundation and can continue to evolve under proper cellaring conditions.

Food pairings

• Aperitifs : shavings of Iberian ham, gougères with aged Comté, duck rillettes lightly peppered.
• Starters : game terrine, dry-aged beef carpaccio, pan-seared porcini with jus.
• Main courses : roast rack of lamb with thyme, confit beef chuck, spiced pigeon with herb-reduced jus.
• Cheeses : aged Comté, Cantal (mid-aged), mountain tomme, truffled Brillat-Savarin.
• Desserts : less-sweet dark chocolate preparations, cocoa sable with cocoa nibs, roasted notes echoing the wine.

Tasting occasions

A bottle of this stature naturally suits selected occasions:

• To celebrate a major milestone with grace and restraint.
• At the heart of a gourmet dinner where chef-driven cuisine answers the wine’s precision.
• As an exceptional gift for a connoisseur, in the spirit of insider great bottles.

Specifications

• Name : Château Mouton Rothschild 2001
• Appellation : Pauillac AOC
• Type : Red wine
• Vintage : 2001
• Grapes : Cabernet Sauvignon 86 %, Merlot 12 %, Cabernet Franc 2 %
• Classification : 1er Grand Cru Classé
• Ageing : 19 à 22 mois en barriques de chêne
• Serving temperature : 16 °C
• Artist label : Bob Wilson for the 2001 vintage