Château Mouton Rothschild en magnums 1996
Rouge, Pauillac, 1996
Commenté par Alexander Van Beek, Châteaux Giscours et du Tertre
Les millésimes en 6 : 2006, 1996, 1986, 1976, 1966, 1916
Chère Madame le Maire,
Cher Chancelier,
Dear members of the Academy,
I am very honoured but also filled with emotion in presenting Mouton Rothschild 1996 to you, a legendary vintage in Bordeaux.
We all know the famous labels, the brilliant invention of Baron Philippe, which went on to become the visual identity of Mouton Rothschild. Sometimes the artwork does not fully correspond to the identity of the vintage. That of Gu Gan, an expert in calligraphy and the first Chinese artist to be included in the prestigious list of artists commissioned, leaves a gently melancholic impression. So how can we not be melancholic today when talking about Mouton 96? It is, of course, a wine inseparable from the personality of Baroness Philippine who left us almost two years ago, just before the harvest and after 25 vintages. An exceptional ambassador, she contributed to spreading the fame of Bordeaux and Mouton throughout the world. We remember the words of Father Delmas at her funeral: “She had this insight about herself and about others. She was a whirlwind of life and of energy.” This is why her commitment, her search for perfection, remains inspiring for all of us.
Her son, Philippe Sereys- de Rothschild has fallowed in her footsteps and continued the great work of his mother, with the same enthusiasm and the same demanding requirements, and he has already proven that he has and will succeed.
Remember the year 1996. The climate was particularly mild, with timely rainfall and above-average seasonal temperatures. So many conditions that came together to favour perfect flowering and an even colour change. The result is in the glass.
Mouton-Rothschild 1996 has kept its splendour, including its warm and lively appearance. The fine deep ruby colour, the nose marked by black fruit, perfectly full bodied on the palate, and particularly firm tannins. There is no lack of delicacy on the finish.
When we taste such a wine, we bow down, we savour it slowly, we feel all its charm. We want to believe in the promises of eternity. Great wines remind us every day that those whom we have lost are still among us.
