The 2015 Mouton-Rothschild is a blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc matured entirely in new oak, as usual. This represents a relatively high percentage of Merlot simply because, as winemaker Philippe Dhalluin told me, that quality was so good. I afforded my sample four to five minutes to open as it was a little reduced at first, but eventually it reveals a gorgeous, extraordinarily intense bouquet of blackberry, cassis, incense and cold slate aromas. In some ways it reminds me of Latour as much as Mouton Rothschild. The palate is medium-bodied with svelte tannin, perfectly pitched acidity, wonderful tension and impressive length. There is a strong graphite theme running through from start to finish that is little grainy and so it will require preferably a decade in cellar. But what freshness and panache here, a classic Mouton-Rothschild that will live for 50 or 60 years, not a million miles away from say, the 1986 or 2010. Expect this to settle at the top of my banded score once in bottle. Rating: 97-99 Points; Date Tasted: Apr 2016; Drink: 2027-2060; Neal Martin; Robert Parker The Wine Advocate

Very racy and refined with super polished tannins and focused dark fruits. Blackberry, orange peel, and blackcurrants. Full. Very long and thought provoking. A wine that delivers power and finesse. Juicy and fresh. Rating 96-97 Points: Date Tasted: Mar 2016; James Suckling