Chateau Mouton Rothschild Pauillac 2005 750ml

98 points Vinous

Graphite, scorched earth, tar, licorice, incense and a host of dark fleshed stone fruits emerge from the 2005 Mouton-Rothschild. Here the overall impression is of pure verticality and structure. Dense, powerful and super-concentrated on the palate, the 2005 is another wine that is just beginning to gradually enter the early part of what looks like a long plateau of fabulous drinking. The tannins have softened, but the flavors remain quite vibrant. Readers who appreciate more layers of nuance should cellar the 2005 for at least a few more years.