1 bottle per lot
Details
MOUTON-ROTHSCHILD
Chateau Mouton-Rothschild stands alone in its feat of being the only chateau of the 1855 Medoc Classification to change status. While this classification purported to consider only market prices in its framework, the exclusion of Mouton from the ranks of the four other premiers grand cru classes reeked of bias. The chateau was certainly of high pedigree, making its first appearance in a Christie's catalogue in 1834. The new English owner Baron Nathaniel de Rothschild was dissatisfied, but only when descendant Philippe took the helm in 1922 were serious strides made.
A few years after this appointment, the young Baron Philippe proposed chateau bottling for all the first growths and Mouton-Rothschild itself, ensuring greater quality control. Mouton was the first to achieve chateau bottling of a harvest in 1924. The Baron diligently worked towards correcting what he called "the monstrous injustice." Overcoming the inertia of a system steeped in tradition, politics and tremendous wealth, Mouton was reclassified from a second to a first growth in 1973 after Philippe de Rothschild's 51 year campaign. Despite rumors that persist each year, no other has achieved a promotion or even demotion since.
DVR
Château Mouton-Rothschild--Vintage 1961
Pauillac, 1er cru classé
Levels: mid shoulder
"No longer opaque, mature; lovely, fragrant, spicy bouquet and flavour. Drier and crisper than the fully developed '59 which I thought the greatest at Aschau. Last tasted Feb 1997 ***** but I would enjoy it-if you can - while at its peak. However, it will not fade away for quite a time." MB, Vintage Wine
1 bottle per lot
Chateau Mouton-Rothschild stands alone in its feat of being the only chateau of the 1855 Medoc Classification to change status. While this classification purported to consider only market prices in its framework, the exclusion of Mouton from the ranks of the four other premiers grand cru classes reeked of bias. The chateau was certainly of high pedigree, making its first appearance in a Christie's catalogue in 1834. The new English owner Baron Nathaniel de Rothschild was dissatisfied, but only when descendant Philippe took the helm in 1922 were serious strides made.
A few years after this appointment, the young Baron Philippe proposed chateau bottling for all the first growths and Mouton-Rothschild itself, ensuring greater quality control. Mouton was the first to achieve chateau bottling of a harvest in 1924. The Baron diligently worked towards correcting what he called "the monstrous injustice." Overcoming the inertia of a system steeped in tradition, politics and tremendous wealth, Mouton was reclassified from a second to a first growth in 1973 after Philippe de Rothschild's 51 year campaign. Despite rumors that persist each year, no other has achieved a promotion or even demotion since.
DVR
Château Mouton-Rothschild--Vintage 1961
Pauillac, 1er cru classé
Levels: mid shoulder
"No longer opaque, mature; lovely, fragrant, spicy bouquet and flavour. Drier and crisper than the fully developed '59 which I thought the greatest at Aschau. Last tasted Feb 1997 ***** but I would enjoy it-if you can - while at its peak. However, it will not fade away for quite a time." MB, Vintage Wine
1 bottle per lot