Château Mouton Rothschild

Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend 1982

9.8

Forty-plus years on, people still talk about the greatness of the 1982 vintage in Bordeaux. There are multiple factors that contribute to this and it’s fair to say that Robert Parker’s reaction played a major role in the early popularity; certainly in the States. While some may say that 1982 was merely a “good” vintage by today’s standards, I think history has proven it to be empirically special; there was just so much quality from top to bottom. And yet, even with the high praise of the vintage, the tone shifts to hushed whispers when the 1982 Mouton gets mentioned. Up until that point, the Chateau had sort of underachieved after receiving its unprecedented promotion in 1973. But in 1982, a year full of great wine, they created a legend and firmly cemented their First Growth status. Today, I’m pleased to report the plaudits for the ’82 are all warranted.

Opened and double-decanted earlier in the day. The ’82 Mouton pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core with some sediment; almost youthful when compared to many of the other older wines poured on the night. On the nose, the wine is developing still; loaded with cassis, black berries, leaf tobacco, leather, and fine baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with fabulous structure. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and full of power. A stunning wine and well in its prime…a window I expect will remain open for a longtime to come. Drink now with bacchanalian abandon and through 2082. — 7 months ago

Ira, Jan and 29 others liked this

Somm David T

I picked the Mouton Merlot in 2012 for a day. At the two harvest lunches I attended, they served the 82. Every time they bottle, they take the remaining barrel juice, filter it and then serve the remains at their harvest luncheons for workers & guests. The second lunch I attended, we were seated at the Baroness’s table may she RIP as she passed in 2014. In 2012, they drank the last of the 82.

Jay Kline

@David T what an awesome story and experience

Bob McDonald

@Jay Kline I agree re the 1982 Bordeaux vintage. The Chateau Margaux was one of the greatest wines I have ever drunk whereas the Lafite Rothschild was somewhat underwhelming. Bought at the same time from the same shop and stored the same way.

Tikveš

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Nick Arensdorf

9.0

Black cherry, raspberry, subtle black pepper and tea leaves. Interesting rec from Mark at BGarden $15 or so, wine from Macedonia — 4 years ago

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Sam T

9.2

Perfect for dessert. Dried apricot. Orange peel. — 5 years ago

Brandon, Eric and 1 other liked this

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Gregory Fulchiero

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So subtle - dried orange peel, potpourri and creamed corn - a delight, thank Hugh — 7 years ago

Chris liked this

Elizabeth Spencer

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Blair Campomizzi

9.0

Exceptional. Nice strawberry with hints of watermelon. The slight acid back one holds things together nicely. — 7 years ago

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Ed Chin

9.2

Bruised apples and bread that was just fabulously balanced by the acidity. I would have scored higher if the bubbles were more present. — 8 months ago

Ira and Ron liked this