Only 55% of the harvest was utilized for the 1997 Mouton-Rothschild. One of the most forward and developed Moutons over recent years, it possesses all the charm and fleshiness this vintage can provide. A blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot, the wine exhibits a dense ruby/purple color, and an open-knit nose of cedar wood, blackberry liqueur, cassis, and coffee. Fleshy, ripe, and mouth-filling, with low acidity, soft tannin, and admirable concentration and length, this delicious Pauillac will be drinkable in 2-3 years, and should age for 15+. It is an impressive effort for this vintage.

The superb 1997 Mouton-Rothschild is composed of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot. This wine reveals a sensationally flamboyant nose of black fruits, coffee, licorice, and creme de cassis. Medium-bodied, with sweet tannin, with lots of layers of flavor. It possesses good spice, an opulent texture, and remarkable length. This is a very hedonistic, open-knit Mouton that has put on considerable weight. Only 55% of the crop made it into the 1997 Mouton. Anticipated maturity: 2000-2022.

Mouton has been experimenting with malolactic fermentation in barrel (20% of the 1997 was vinified in this manner). The 1997, which possesses some characteristics similar to the 1985, but is ultimately different, is a blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot. Only 60% of Mouton's harvest made it into the grand vin. This is a hedonistic, forward Mouton (hence the comparison with the 1985) with a deep ruby/purple color, ripe tannin, and the tell-tale Mouton cassis in its aromatics and flavors. Mouton's Merlot harvest took place on September 11, and was then stopped until September 16, concluding with the very late-picked Cabernet Sauvignon on October 5. Approachable, without the massiveness of the two preceding vintages, the 1997 Mouton exhibits a soft mid-palate, loads of pure fruit, nicely-integrated smoky new oak, and surprising length for the wine's initial attack. There is moderate tannin in this offering. This will be one of the few 1997s that will warrant a short-term cellaring of 3-4 years before consumption. I would not be surprised to see this wine last for two decades or more, making it one of the longer-lived 1997s.