The 1990 Mouton-Rothschild presents a captivating journey into the very heart of Bordeaux's revered Pauillac sub-region. Nestled within the illustrious borders of France, this wine carries the pedigree of the Mouton-Rothschild estate, a testament to the region's profound capacity to produce world-class Bordeaux Blends.
When you first behold this wine, its brick-red color intrigues the eye, a visual cue to the complex tale of its creation. The 1990 vintage was marked by a hot, dry climate, a challenge that would yield a wine of less density, with tannins that are chewier than typically expected from this estate.
On the nose, this Mouton-Rothschild greets you with licorice and sandalwood, an enticing introduction to a wine that's lovely and easy to drink. As you take your first sip, the medium body unfurls on the palate, revealing an alluring symphony of redcurrant jelly, dried cranberries, and powdered cinnamon. Accents of potpourri, dried figs, unsmoked cigars, and dusty soil meander through the background, subtly underscoring the wine's nuanced layers.
This 1990 Mouton-Rothschild is a delicate expression of the Bordeaux Blend, as evidenced by its good fruit and soft tannins. Despite the challenging weather conditions of the vintage, the terroir's pedigree glimmers through, resulting in a wine that's aging gracefully. Its alcohol content rests at a comfortable 12.5%, with a cork closure keeping the wine's narrative secure until it's time for the next pour.
While it might not align with the expectations of a typical Mouton-Rothschild, this 1990 Bordeaux Blend will undoubtedly appeal to those who appreciate the softer-spoken, more delicately expressed styles of wine. It's a testament to the enduring versatility of the Bordeaux region, a wine that's not just a beverage, but a story waiting to be savored.