Château Mouton-Rothschild--Vintage 1911

CHATEAU MOUTON-ROTHSCHILD A Premier Cru Classé, Château Mouton-Rothschild consists of 188 acres of vines near Pauillac, in the Médoc, northwest of the city of Bordeaux, planted in a proportion typical of the region with 80 Cabernet Sauvignon, 10 Cabernet Franc, 8 Merlot and 2 Petit Verdot. Mouton benefits from exceptionally good natural conditions, both in the quality of the soil, the position of its vines and their exposure to the sun. Owned by Baroness Philippine de Rothschild, Mouton is regarded today as one of the world's greatest wines. Its fame stems from the happy coincidence which brought together nature's gifts with the passion and determination of one man, Baron Philippe de Rothschild (1902-1988). In 1853, an English member of the Rothschild family, Baron Nathaniel de Rothschild, purchased Château Brane-Mouton and renamed it Château Mouton-Rothschild. However, no member of the family showed any professional interest in it until 1922, when Baron Philippe, aged 20, seduced by the magic of the place, took its destiny into his own hands. From the start, he set out to make Mouton unique and the wine it produced of the highest quality. The sixty-five years of his ownership bare the stamp of his strong personality, his entrepreneurial flair, and his sense of innovation. In 1924, he intitiated the hitherto unusual practice of bottling all production at the Château, thereby maintaining total control over all the wine he sold. A revolutionary concept, this innovation soon became the rule, but it brought with it the need for more storage capacity. In 1926, therefore, he commissioned the architect Charles Siclis to build the famous "Grand Chai": 100 metres in length. Its striking perspective remains today one of the most imposing sights at Mouton. In 1933, Baron Philippe increased the family estate by purchasing the neighbouring Château Mouton d'Armailhacq, renamed Château d'Armailhac in 1989, as well as a small Pauillac wine trading company, destined to expand dramatically and become known as "Baron Philippe de Rothschild s.a." In the Thirties, this company began marketing a wine called Mouton Cadet (Baron Philippe was the younger son- "cadet"- of Baron Henri). Today "Mouton Cadet Rouge" and "Mouton Cadet Blanc" have acheived enormous recognition in their categories throughout the world. In 1945, Baron Philippe conceived of the original idea of crowning the Mouton label with a suitable symbol to celebrate the liberation of France. He selected the "V" for Victory. So began the tradition of identifying each label with an original work of art created by famous artists. This collection includes paintings by Braque, Picasso, Miro, Chagall, Dali, Moore, Warhol and Bacon. From 1955 onwards, the many talents of his second wife Baroness Pauline were joined with his own. Together at Mouton they worked miracles of renovation, transformation and innovation, and in so doing, established what has become known as the "Mouton style." In 1962, they created the "Museum of Wine in Art," in which is displayed a priceless collection of exhibits relating to wine and the vine from the dawn of civilization up to the present. Mouton became a major tourist attraction, with thousands visiting the Château every year. In 1970, Château Clerc Milon, a Fifth Classified Growth, situated close to Mouton in the commune of Pauillac was added to the estate. Revitalized by the technical team from Mouton Rothschild, it now stands proudly alongside its two seniors. One of the Baron Philippe's major goals was to obtain a revision of the official 1855 Classification, so that Château Mouton Rothschild could officially hold rank of the "Premier Grand Cru Classé." After a twenty-year effort in the face of prejudice and inflexibility, he succeeded in 1973. After the death of Baron Philippe in 1988, Philippine de Rothschild, who had been active in her father's business affairs for some time, assumed control of Mouton and its destiny. Her immediate aim is to maintain the best of the past, and to innovate for the future. Today, in concert with a superb technical and administrative staff, she dedicates her energy to the further enhancement of the quality and the renown of the wine whose motto proudly proclaims: "Premier je suis, second je fus, Mouton ne change." (First I am, second I was, I, Mouton, do not change.) ------------------------------- UNIQUE, RARE AND MODERN MOUTON A Special Offering of Wine Direct from the Cellars of the Château, Along with Unique Mouton Decanter Labels fashioned by the Swiss Watchmaker, Gerald Genta. Wines from 1911-1939, as well as the lots including the Genta labels, are from the private collection of Baroness Philippine de Rothschild. Note: all wines are being released with excellent fills and appearance.

Details

Château Mouton-Rothschild--Vintage 1911
Pauillac, 1er cru classé.
1 bottle per lot