90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc

Robert Parker: 94, Neal Martin: 96, James Suckling: 97

Robert Parker: As for the 2012 Mouton Rothschild, one can't help but love the artist's label, in this case done by Miquel Barcelo, of two rams fighting for superiority. Representing only 49% of the crop, this blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc has an inky bluish/purple color, which is far darker than its nearby neighbor, Lafite Rothschild, or even Pontet-Canet. Multi-layered, with rich, concentrated, creme de cassis fruit, a medium to full-bodied mouthfeel, and stunning purity, this is a major success in 2012. Definitely a bigger, richer wine than rival Lafite Rothschild, Mouton's 2012 seems to have more density as well. The tannins, however, remain soft and well-integrated. This wine should drink well for 25-30 years and is somewhat of a sleeper for a 2012 first-growth M̩edoc. Drink: 2015-2045.