I am always blown away by the 1959 Mouton, one of the greatest Moutons made in the last thirty-five years. Every time I have this wine it is undeniable that Mouton made a richer, more persuasive wine in 1959 than in 1961. Astonishingly young and unevolved, with a black/purple color, the wine exhibits a youthful nose of cassis, minerals, and new oak. It is exceptionally powerful and super-extracted, with the fruit supported by high levels of tannin and some lusty quantities of alcohol. This mammoth, full-bodied Mouton-Rothschild should continue to evolve for another 20-30 years. It may well be a 100-year wine! Last tasted 3/97. RP
Full, deep red. Knockout nose combines plum, exotic woodsmoke, cedar, menthol and grilled nuts, plus a hint of maple syrup. Powerfully structured and still tightly wound; today the lively acids and strong tannins combine to give the wine a somewhat rigid texture. Still rather austere, even a tad dry, on the finish. Not quite up to past bottles of this great vintage of Mouton, which typically displays more richness and primary fruit character to go with its steel-like spine.- Stephen Tanzer (7/22)
