Mouton Rothschild Case 1989 (750MLx12)

98 JS / 18.5 JR

Freshly picked blackberries turn into minty dark chocolate and oozing caramel with domineering eucalyptus on the nose. It becomes yet more complex on the palate thanks to layers upon layers of spices and sage plus fat and rounded tannins. There's a long finish with a bitter aftertaste, suggesting this could do with another 10 years or more of bottle aging. This is a Mouton I found massive at the time, then elegant and slightly austere years later, but today true to its former glory. Like the amazing 1947, it should not be forgotten. - James Suckling

Notably dark ruby with a blackish tinge. Dense, exotic cassis nose. Lots of ripe fruit but no obvious sweetness. Clearly a very fine, long-living wine. Attractive freshness on the finish. Very persistent. No hint of tiring or furry, indistinct fruit – unlike some 1989s. Complex classic claret. No hint of modernism. Attractive spicy note on the end. Very neat. - Jancis Robinson