2009 Château Mouton Rothschild

The texture is the most striking thing on this wine, right from the attack. It rolls out a carpet of silk and welcomes you in, and displays the gourmet edge that Mouton does so expertly, with blackberry, black cherry, crushed blueberries and garrigue. It has a softness that makes it not necessarily signature Pauillac, but certainly signature Mouton, with the ripeness of the fruit tempered by firm, brushed tannins and a core of controlled acidity. Crushed mint leaves appear on the finish. Multi-layered and brilliant. 98 Points.