2011, Château Mouton-Rothschild, PAUILLAC, 1er Grand Cru ClasséBrings together the florality of Armailhac and the dense fruit of Clerc Milon, all with the volume turned up. Clear concentration and structure here, powerful Pauillac tannins and a juicy finish easily one of the wines of the vintage in Pauillac. And despite the challenges of the vintage, it has plenty of seductive Mouton signature touches of gourmet edging, smoke, liquorice, bitter chocolate shavings, pencil lead, a ton of Pauillac character. It is

Belles Croix

and spices such as salt and pepper

25% new oak

Fabulously situated alongside Cheval Blanc and L'Evangile

Disgorged: February 2024

oyster jus and white peach

The 2021 Volnay Santenots 1er Cru had a decent-sized crop

Pristine fruit

exploding from the glass with an intoxicating perfume of violets

crushed stone and light floral scents

25% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon

If I could give more than 100 years for this one