FEATURES
The 1997 vintage isn't about chasing a legendary year—it's about experiencing the mature Pauillac style of a First Growth estate, Château Mouton Rothschild, through a more accessible vintage.
1. Was 1997 a good vintage?
While 1997 is not considered one of Bordeaux's greatest vintages, it still offers both drinking and collectible appeal for Mouton Rothschild.
The characteristics of the 1997 vintage include:
An elegant, medium-bodied style
Earlier maturity than more structured vintages
Now in an excellent drinking window
More about finesse than power
2. Is it still enjoyable today?
Absolutely.
A well-preserved bottle of 1997 Mouton Rothschild typically displays aromas and flavors of:
Dried blackcurrant
Cedar
Cigar box
Graphite
Leather
Licorice
Truffle
The youthful fruit has evolved into the complex bouquet that defines mature Pauillac.
3. How does it compare with 1996, 2000, or 2005?
From a collector's perspective, vintages such as 1996, 2000, 2005, 2009, and 2010 are generally considered more prestigious and command higher market values.
The strengths of the 1997 vintage are:
More accessible pricing
Fully mature and ready to enjoy
An excellent opportunity to experience the distinctive Mouton style without waiting decades
4. What makes Mouton Rothschild so special?
Beyond its status as a First Growth, Mouton Rothschild is renowned for its iconic artist-designed labels.
Since 1945, each vintage has featured original artwork created by a different internationally acclaimed artist, making every bottle both a fine wine and a collectible work of art.
5. Is it better for collecting or drinking now?
At nearly 30 years of age, the 1997 vintage is at an ideal stage of maturity.
It is best enjoyed now and over the next few years, when its mature Pauillac character is at its most expressive.
BACKGROUND
Château Mouton Rothschild is located in the commune of Pauillac, in the Medoc, 30 miles (50km) northwest of the city of Bordeaux. The estate comprises 90 hectares (222 acres) of vineyards, mainly on gravel-based soils, and is situated in the northern part of the commune just south of Château Lafite Rothschild. Most of the vineyard is planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, with 15 percent planted to Merlot and a small amount of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The vineyard, typically for top Medoc estates, is densely planted and the average vine age is more than 40 years old. Harvest is done by hand, and the juice is fermented in oak vats in a gravity-fed vat room opened in 2012. After fermentation, the wine sees 22 months in new oak before bottling.
