A bottle of Chateau Mouton Rothschild 1989 from Bordeaux's Pauillac appellation, featuring a label by East German painter George Baselitz who chose his upside-down rams for the 1989 label to bring together the traditional Mouton emblem with the historical significance of that year: the demolition of the Berlin Wall.
Despite its market prices equalling that of Château Lafite Rothschild, Château Mouton Rothschild was excluded from the First Growth status under the 1855 Bordeaux Classification. Baron Philippe de Rothschild called this a 'monstrous injustice', and some believe the Château was excluded as it had recently been purchased by an Englishman, so was no longer under French ownership.
After intense lobbying, Château Mouton Rothschild was elevated to First Growth status in 1973, leading to a change in motto, from 'Premier ne puis, second ne daigne, Mouton suis' ('First, I cannot be. Second, I do not deign to be. Mouton I am'), to 'Premier je suis, Second je fus, Mouton ne change' ('First, I am. Second, I used to be. Mouton does not change').
'The Mouton ’89 is a lovely Pauillac that has reached its plateau of maturity. It has an engaging cedar-scented bouquet touches of cigar box, mint and a touch of Italian cooked meats. Very well defined, very “old school”. The palate is medium-bodied and very harmonious with grainy tannins. It continues the aromatic theme of cedar and tobacco, relatively foursquare compared to Pichon-Baron of Lynch Bages, with a slightly leafy finish that demonstrates great persistency. It is very “classic” in style, restrained, elegant and bearing similarities to Lafite. Drink now-2030. Tasted October 2010. 95/100' Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, 2010
This Chateau Mouton Rothschild 1989 sold at our online auction for £430
