1988 Chateau Mouton Rothschild

Red Bordeaux Blend

France / Bordeaux / Medoc / AOC Pauillac

$590
RP 89
V 89
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Availability: 10

GRAND CRU CLASSÉS EN 1855, Premier Cru

1988 Chateau Mouton Rothschild, Pauillac, France

The Château Mouton Rothschild vineyard, mostly situated on a hillock called the “Plateau de Mouton” which rises to 27m above sea-level, is planted on very deep gravelly soil with the varieties typical of the region: Cabernet Sauvignon (81%), Merlot (15%), Cabernet Franc (3%) and Petit Verdot (1%). These proportions are not reflected identically in the wine, because the blend varies according to the character of each vintage. However, Cabernet Sauvignon always predominates: it is Cabernet Sauvignon that gives Mouton its rich tannins, its wealth of aroma and flavour and its ageing capacity, while Merlot, an inseparable companion, brings suppleness, roundness and exceptional length. As with other top Médoc wines, the vineyard is densely planted – 10,000 vines per hectare – and the average age of the vines is around 44 years.

Climatic Conditions
The winter was particularly mild, free of frost but very wet, and there were many more rainy days than the average during the first quarter of the year. The heavy rainfall continued during the spring, with higher than average temperatures.

Under these conditions the vines started budding relatively early, on 4 April for the Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon and 7 April for the Cabernet Franc. Mild, rather wet weather prevailed through May and June, and as much rain fell during the first six months of 1988 as in an average year.

Mid-flowering was observed between 26 and 29 May depending on the variety. The vines flowered evenly over a short period, enabling the fruit to set more or less normally, and there was little coulure or millerandage despite the climatic conditions. A hot, dry summer caused veraison to occur slightly earlier than the average, though it was less even than the flowering.

Mid-veraison was noted on 12 August for the Merlot, 15 August for the Cabernet Sauvignon and 16 August for the Cabernet Franc. Too much rainfall in spring and too little in summer disrupted the vegetation cycle and the vines suffered from an unbalanced water supply.
However, showers in early September followed by very hot weather allowed the crop to mature normally. In weather conditions that favoured the spread of disease, effective treatment ensured that the vines and grapes were properly protected and the harvest produced a healthy and abundant crop.
    RP 89

    Robert Parker Wine Advocate

    The 1988 Mouton has an attractive aroma of exotic spices, minerals, coffee, black currants, and sweet oak. Much like the 1989, the bouquet is staggering, but the flavors are distinctly less profound. In the mouth, it is a much firmer, tougher, more obviously tannic wine than the 1989, with medium body and outstanding ripeness. A beautifully made 1988 that will last 20-25 years, its short finish keeps it from being sublime. The 1988 is somewhat reminiscent of the 1985, but with more tannin. Anticipated maturity: Now-2020. Last tasted 1/93. Reviewed by Robert M. Parker, Jr., Issue date: January 1998. Drinking window: 1993 - 2020.
    V 89

    Vinous

    The 1988 Mouton-Rothschild is a vintage that I have not tasted for several years (although it was a regular fixture during the 2000s). It is a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 13% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot. Showing some signs of bricking on the rim, it has certainly matured with a little more alacrity in the last few years, fully mature with blackberry, freshly rolled tobacco, sandalwood and mint. To be frank, it does not put a distance between itself and its peers. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannin: soy-tinged black fruit, foursquare with a sharp tang of spice towards the linear finish. It feels conservative and correct, although it does not give the delineation and precision that I feel that Philippe Dhalluin has imported in recent vintages. Tasted at the chateau. Reviewed by Neal Martin, Issue date: February 2018. Drinking window: 2018 - 2030.

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    • CRITICAL REVIEWS
    • WINEMAKER NOTES
    RP 89

    Robert Parker Wine Advocate

    The 1988 Mouton has an attractive aroma of exotic spices, minerals, coffee, black currants, and sweet oak. Much like the 1989, the bouquet is staggering, but the flavors are distinctly less profound. In the mouth, it is a much firmer, tougher, more obviously tannic wine than the 1989, with medium body and outstanding ripeness. A beautifully made 1988 that will last 20-25 years, its short finish keeps it from being sublime. The 1988 is somewhat reminiscent of the 1985, but with more tannin. Anticipated maturity: Now-2020. Last tasted 1/93. Reviewed by Robert M. Parker, Jr., Issue date: January 1998. Drinking window: 1993 - 2020.
    V 89

    Vinous

    The 1988 Mouton-Rothschild is a vintage that I have not tasted for several years (although it was a regular fixture during the 2000s). It is a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 13% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot. Showing some signs of bricking on the rim, it has certainly matured with a little more alacrity in the last few years, fully mature with blackberry, freshly rolled tobacco, sandalwood and mint. To be frank, it does not put a distance between itself and its peers. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannin: soy-tinged black fruit, foursquare with a sharp tang of spice towards the linear finish. It feels conservative and correct, although it does not give the delineation and precision that I feel that Philippe Dhalluin has imported in recent vintages. Tasted at the chateau. Reviewed by Neal Martin, Issue date: February 2018. Drinking window: 2018 - 2030.

    1988 Chateau Mouton Rothschild, Pauillac, France

    The Château Mouton Rothschild vineyard, mostly situated on a hillock called the “Plateau de Mouton” which rises to 27m above sea-level, is planted on very deep gravelly soil with the varieties typical of the region: Cabernet Sauvignon (81%), Merlot (15%), Cabernet Franc (3%) and Petit Verdot (1%). These proportions are not reflected identically in the wine, because the blend varies according to the character of each vintage. However, Cabernet Sauvignon always predominates: it is Cabernet Sauvignon that gives Mouton its rich tannins, its wealth of aroma and flavour and its ageing capacity, while Merlot, an inseparable companion, brings suppleness, roundness and exceptional length. As with other top Médoc wines, the vineyard is densely planted – 10,000 vines per hectare – and the average age of the vines is around 44 years.

    Climatic Conditions
    The winter was particularly mild, free of frost but very wet, and there were many more rainy days than the average during the first quarter of the year. The heavy rainfall continued during the spring, with higher than average temperatures.

    Under these conditions the vines started budding relatively early, on 4 April for the Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon and 7 April for the Cabernet Franc. Mild, rather wet weather prevailed through May and June, and as much rain fell during the first six months of 1988 as in an average year.

    Mid-flowering was observed between 26 and 29 May depending on the variety. The vines flowered evenly over a short period, enabling the fruit to set more or less normally, and there was little coulure or millerandage despite the climatic conditions. A hot, dry summer caused veraison to occur slightly earlier than the average, though it was less even than the flowering.

    Mid-veraison was noted on 12 August for the Merlot, 15 August for the Cabernet Sauvignon and 16 August for the Cabernet Franc. Too much rainfall in spring and too little in summer disrupted the vegetation cycle and the vines suffered from an unbalanced water supply.
    However, showers in early September followed by very hot weather allowed the crop to mature normally. In weather conditions that favoured the spread of disease, effective treatment ensured that the vines and grapes were properly protected and the harvest produced a healthy and abundant crop.

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