Château Mouton Rothschild 2005

Technical Director/Chief Winemaker Philippe Dhalluin said this was a special year for him, because he considers it his first great vintage – he started in 2004. Deep garnet with hint of brick, the 2005 Mouton Rothschild is evolving into unabashed, flamboyant notes of Christmas cake, plum preserves, chocolate-covered cherries, eucalyptus and crème de cassis with beautifully fragrant wafts of potpourri, incense, Indian spices and cigar box. Full-bodied, the palate performs vinous pirouettes with dazzling exotic spice, floral and earthy nuances, framed by firm, grainy tannins and fantastic freshness, finishing very long and mineral laced. Drink date: 2019-2055. Score – 98. (Lisa Perrotti-Brown, MW, robertparker.com, Oct. 31, 2019)