| - Red Bordeaux - Claret - The great red wines of Bordeaux |
The Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855 was based entirely on recent market prices for a vineyard's wines, with one
exception: Château Mouton Rothschild. Despite the market prices for their vineyard's wines equalling that of Château Lafite
Rothschild, Château Mouton Rothschild was excluded from First Great Growth status, an act that Baron Philippe de Rothschild
referred to as "the monstrous injustice". It is widely believed that the exception was made because the vineyard had
recently been purchased by an Englishman and was no longer in French ownership.
In 1973, Mouton was elevated to "first growth" status after decades of intense lobbying by its powerful and influential
owner, the only change in the original 1855 classification (excepting the 1856 addition of Château Cantemerle). This
prompted a change of motto: previously, the motto of the wine was Premier ne puis, second ne daigne, Mouton suis. ("First,
I cannot be. Second, I do not deign to be. Mouton I am."), and it was changed to Premier je suis, Second je fus, Mouton ne
change. ("First, I am. Second, I used to be. But Mouton does not change.")
exception: Château Mouton Rothschild. Despite the market prices for their vineyard's wines equalling that of Château Lafite
Rothschild, Château Mouton Rothschild was excluded from First Great Growth status, an act that Baron Philippe de Rothschild
referred to as "the monstrous injustice". It is widely believed that the exception was made because the vineyard had
recently been purchased by an Englishman and was no longer in French ownership.
In 1973, Mouton was elevated to "first growth" status after decades of intense lobbying by its powerful and influential
owner, the only change in the original 1855 classification (excepting the 1856 addition of Château Cantemerle). This
prompted a change of motto: previously, the motto of the wine was Premier ne puis, second ne daigne, Mouton suis. ("First,
I cannot be. Second, I do not deign to be. Mouton I am."), and it was changed to Premier je suis, Second je fus, Mouton ne
change. ("First, I am. Second, I used to be. But Mouton does not change.")
Château Mouton Rothschild
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Owned by the Arnaud family for the better part of 200 years until the end of the World War II, Pétrus was then sold to Mme
Loubat, who had progressively acquired the property since 1925. On her death in 1961, the estate was passed to her family,
who eventually sold a half share in 1964 to Jean-Pierre Moueix. Moueix himself had set up a negociant business
Établissements Jean-Pierre Moueix, based in Libourne and gradually began acquiring right bank châteaux. Following the
death of Jean-Pierre Moueix in 2003, his elder son Jean-François is the gérant of Château Pétrus, while, Christian Moueix, his
second son, manages the production.
There is no real château physically on the estate, which explains why the wine is usually simply referred to as Pétrus, and
not Château Pétrus.
Loubat, who had progressively acquired the property since 1925. On her death in 1961, the estate was passed to her family,
who eventually sold a half share in 1964 to Jean-Pierre Moueix. Moueix himself had set up a negociant business
Établissements Jean-Pierre Moueix, based in Libourne and gradually began acquiring right bank châteaux. Following the
death of Jean-Pierre Moueix in 2003, his elder son Jean-François is the gérant of Château Pétrus, while, Christian Moueix, his
second son, manages the production.
There is no real château physically on the estate, which explains why the wine is usually simply referred to as Pétrus, and
not Château Pétrus.
Petrus
Petrus 1961, en magnum
Mise Loubat.
SOLD
Mise Loubat.
SOLD
Petrus 1947, double magnum
Mise Loubat.
SOLD
Mise Loubat.
SOLD
Château Latour 1865, ex chateau
This unique bottle comes directly from the château's own
private reserve.
Email us for pricing and ordering details
This unique bottle comes directly from the château's own
private reserve.
Email us for pricing and ordering details
Château Latour lies at the very southeastern tip of the commune of Pauillac in the Médoc region
to the north-west of Bordeaux, at its border with Saint-Julien, and only a few hundred metres
from the banks of the Gironde estuary.
The site has been occupied since at least 1331 when a garrison fort was built 300 metres from
the estuary to guard against attack during the Hundred Years' War. The tower, named La Tour
en Saint-Mambert gave its name to the estate around the fortress and was in English hands
until the Battle of Castillon in 1453, and its complete destruction by the forces of the King of
France. The original tower no longer exists, but in the 1620s a circular tower (La Tour de
Saint-Lambert) was built on the estate and though it is actually designed as a pigeon roost, it
remains a strong symbol of the vineyard. Vines have existed on the site since the 14th century,
and Latour's wine received some early recognition, discussed as early as in the 16th century in
Essays by Montaigne. From 1670 began a lineage of connected family ownership not broken
until 1963, when the estate was acquired by the de Chavannes family, and passed by marriage
to the de Clauzel family in 1677. When Alexandre de Ségur married Marie-Thérèse de Clauzel,
Latour became a part of his vast property, to which he also added Château Lafite in 1716, just
prior to his death. In 1718 his son Nicolas-Alexandre de Ségur added Château Mouton and
Château Calon-Ségur to his holdings status was established on export markets such as
England, alongside chateaux Lafite, Margaux and Pontac. With the death of status was
established on export markets such as England, alongside chateaux Lafite, Margaux and
Pontac. With the death of Nicolas-Alexandre Ségur in 1755 the estate was divided among four
daughters, three of whom inherited Latour in 1760. Latour improved in Nicolas-Alexandre Ségur
in 1755 the estate was divided among four daughters, three of whom inherited Latour in 1760.
Latour improved in the later half of the century, and later became a favourite of Thomas
Jefferson, then minister to France, when he categorised La Tour de the later half of the century,
and later became a favourite of Thomas Jefferson, then minister to France, when he categorised
La Tour de Ségur as a vineyard of first quality in 1787. With the onset of the French Revolution,
the property became divided. The Comte de Ségur-Cabanac fled France and his portion was
auctioned off by the state in 1794, passing through several owners. The estate was not
Ségur-Cabanac fled France and his portion was auctioned off by the state in 1794, passing
through several owners. The estate was not reunited until 1841, when the family succeeded in
to the north-west of Bordeaux, at its border with Saint-Julien, and only a few hundred metres
from the banks of the Gironde estuary.
The site has been occupied since at least 1331 when a garrison fort was built 300 metres from
the estuary to guard against attack during the Hundred Years' War. The tower, named La Tour
en Saint-Mambert gave its name to the estate around the fortress and was in English hands
until the Battle of Castillon in 1453, and its complete destruction by the forces of the King of
France. The original tower no longer exists, but in the 1620s a circular tower (La Tour de
Saint-Lambert) was built on the estate and though it is actually designed as a pigeon roost, it
remains a strong symbol of the vineyard. Vines have existed on the site since the 14th century,
and Latour's wine received some early recognition, discussed as early as in the 16th century in
Essays by Montaigne. From 1670 began a lineage of connected family ownership not broken
until 1963, when the estate was acquired by the de Chavannes family, and passed by marriage
to the de Clauzel family in 1677. When Alexandre de Ségur married Marie-Thérèse de Clauzel,
Latour became a part of his vast property, to which he also added Château Lafite in 1716, just
prior to his death. In 1718 his son Nicolas-Alexandre de Ségur added Château Mouton and
Château Calon-Ségur to his holdings status was established on export markets such as
England, alongside chateaux Lafite, Margaux and Pontac. With the death of status was
established on export markets such as England, alongside chateaux Lafite, Margaux and
Pontac. With the death of Nicolas-Alexandre Ségur in 1755 the estate was divided among four
daughters, three of whom inherited Latour in 1760. Latour improved in Nicolas-Alexandre Ségur
in 1755 the estate was divided among four daughters, three of whom inherited Latour in 1760.
Latour improved in the later half of the century, and later became a favourite of Thomas
Jefferson, then minister to France, when he categorised La Tour de the later half of the century,
and later became a favourite of Thomas Jefferson, then minister to France, when he categorised
La Tour de Ségur as a vineyard of first quality in 1787. With the onset of the French Revolution,
the property became divided. The Comte de Ségur-Cabanac fled France and his portion was
auctioned off by the state in 1794, passing through several owners. The estate was not
Ségur-Cabanac fled France and his portion was auctioned off by the state in 1794, passing
through several owners. The estate was not reunited until 1841, when the family succeeded in
Château Latour
Château Latour 1959, en magnum, owc
SOLD
SOLD
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Situated on uniquely stony soil, the vineyard area extends nearly 21 hectares (52 acres) between the two portions in Pessac
and Léognan, with a grape variety distribution of 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, and 7% Cabernet Franc. The estate
produces on average 8 000 cases a year, or 96 000 bottles of its Grand vin La Mission Haut-Brion. For the second wine La
Chapelle de la Mission, from the vineyard's youngest vines, production is on average 1 000 cases, or 12,000 bottles.
Haut-Brion. The American wine critic Robert Parker awarded the maximum one hundred points for the 2006 La Mission Haut
Brion, many years La Mission Haut-Brion has been considered the chief challenger to its historically better known close
neighbour Château "the quintessential insider's wine." while David Peppercorn holds the estate's consistent performance
over the last century as justification to classify La Mission as a Premier Cru, as was done to Château Mouton Rothschild in
1973.
and Léognan, with a grape variety distribution of 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, and 7% Cabernet Franc. The estate
produces on average 8 000 cases a year, or 96 000 bottles of its Grand vin La Mission Haut-Brion. For the second wine La
Chapelle de la Mission, from the vineyard's youngest vines, production is on average 1 000 cases, or 12,000 bottles.
Haut-Brion. The American wine critic Robert Parker awarded the maximum one hundred points for the 2006 La Mission Haut
Brion, many years La Mission Haut-Brion has been considered the chief challenger to its historically better known close
neighbour Château "the quintessential insider's wine." while David Peppercorn holds the estate's consistent performance
over the last century as justification to classify La Mission as a Premier Cru, as was done to Château Mouton Rothschild in
1973.
La Mission Haut Brion
Château La Mission Haut Brion 1961
Click to enlarge.
SOLD.
Click to enlarge.
SOLD.
L'Eglise Clinet is a superb estate, rated in the very top rank in Pomerol by most experts, but less well known and
"fashionable" than Petrus, Le Pin etc. The 1961 was one of their greatest ever wines. Production is just over 2000 cases
now, less than half of this in 1961.
"fashionable" than Petrus, Le Pin etc. The 1961 was one of their greatest ever wines. Production is just over 2000 cases
now, less than half of this in 1961.
L'Eglise Clinet
Robert Parker: "Another great showing for this under-rated
estate, the 1961 L'Eglise-Clinet displayed a saturated, opaque
garnet color with some amber/rust at the edge. A huge nose of
soy sauce, grilled meats, mocha, chocolate, and jammy cherry
fruit is followed by a full-bodied wine with excellent richness,
length, and balance. Drink this fully mature, velvety-textured wine
over the next decade. 96 points"
Jancis Robinson gives this wine 18/20, an ultra high score for her.
This is an extremely rare wine, and a complete case like this is an
exceptional find.
SOLD
estate, the 1961 L'Eglise-Clinet displayed a saturated, opaque
garnet color with some amber/rust at the edge. A huge nose of
soy sauce, grilled meats, mocha, chocolate, and jammy cherry
fruit is followed by a full-bodied wine with excellent richness,
length, and balance. Drink this fully mature, velvety-textured wine
over the next decade. 96 points"
Jancis Robinson gives this wine 18/20, an ultra high score for her.
This is an extremely rare wine, and a complete case like this is an
exceptional find.
SOLD
Only four wine-producing Châteaux of Bordeaux achieved First Growth status in the 1855 Classification, which was based on
recent prices. Of those, the first one in the list is Château Lafite Rothschild.
Situated in the great wine-producing village of Pauillac in the Médoc region to the north-west of Bordeaux, the estate was
the property of Gombaud de Lafite in 1234. In the 17th century, the property of Château Lafite was purchased by the Ségur
family, including the 16th century manor house that still stands. Although vines almost certainly already existed on the site,
around 1680, Jacques de Ségur planted the majority of the vineyard. In the early 18th century, Nicolas-Alexandre, marquis
de Ségur refined the wine-making techniques of the estate, and introduced his wines to the upper echelons of European
society. Before long he was known as the "Wine Prince", and the wine of Château Lafite called "The King's Wine" thanks to
the influential support of the Maréchal de Richelieu. Towards the end of the 18th century, Lafite's reputation was assured
and even Thomas Jefferson visited the estate and became a lifelong customer.
The first half of the 19th century saw Lafite in the hands of the Vanlerberghe family and the wine improved more, including
the great vintages of 1795, 1798 and 1818. On 8 August 1868, the Château was purchased by Baron James Mayer
Rothschild for 4.4 million francs, and the estate became Château Lafite Rothschild. Baron James, however, died just three
months after purchasing Lafite. The estate then became the joint property of his three sons: Alphonse, Gustave, and
Edmond.
The 20th century has seen periods of success and difficulty, coping with post-phylloxera vines, and two world wars. During
the Second World War the Château was occupied by the German army, and suffered heavily from plundering of its cellars.
Succeeding his uncle Élie de Rothschild, Lafite has been under the direction of Eric de Rothschild since 1974.
recent prices. Of those, the first one in the list is Château Lafite Rothschild.
Situated in the great wine-producing village of Pauillac in the Médoc region to the north-west of Bordeaux, the estate was
the property of Gombaud de Lafite in 1234. In the 17th century, the property of Château Lafite was purchased by the Ségur
family, including the 16th century manor house that still stands. Although vines almost certainly already existed on the site,
around 1680, Jacques de Ségur planted the majority of the vineyard. In the early 18th century, Nicolas-Alexandre, marquis
de Ségur refined the wine-making techniques of the estate, and introduced his wines to the upper echelons of European
society. Before long he was known as the "Wine Prince", and the wine of Château Lafite called "The King's Wine" thanks to
the influential support of the Maréchal de Richelieu. Towards the end of the 18th century, Lafite's reputation was assured
and even Thomas Jefferson visited the estate and became a lifelong customer.
The first half of the 19th century saw Lafite in the hands of the Vanlerberghe family and the wine improved more, including
the great vintages of 1795, 1798 and 1818. On 8 August 1868, the Château was purchased by Baron James Mayer
Rothschild for 4.4 million francs, and the estate became Château Lafite Rothschild. Baron James, however, died just three
months after purchasing Lafite. The estate then became the joint property of his three sons: Alphonse, Gustave, and
Edmond.
The 20th century has seen periods of success and difficulty, coping with post-phylloxera vines, and two world wars. During
the Second World War the Château was occupied by the German army, and suffered heavily from plundering of its cellars.
Succeeding his uncle Élie de Rothschild, Lafite has been under the direction of Eric de Rothschild since 1974.
Château Lafite Rothschild
Château Lafite Rothschild 1982
2 fine MAGNUMS from a superb cellar.
Click on the images to see enlarged versions.
Email us for pricing and ordering details
2 fine MAGNUMS from a superb cellar.
Click on the images to see enlarged versions.
Email us for pricing and ordering details
Chateau Cheval Blanc 1947
"The Greatest Wine Ever Made"
"The Greatest Wine Ever Made"
Château Cheval Blanc 1947 occupies a unique place in the pantheon of Bordeaux - it's arguably the single most famous wine
produced in the last century in the region, and many critics and connoisseurs have rated it if not the "best" (a meaningless
concept at this level), certainly as the most remarkable.
Michael Broadbent, the renowned British expert, writes in his book "Vintage Wine":
Unquestionably one of the greatest wines of all time...incredibly rich, fat, ripe...mammoth concentration and sweetness...huge,
soft, complete, rounded, fabulous, concentration.
The French wine writer Michael Dovaz says:
The invulnerable 1947 Cheval Blanc defies the laws of modern oenology. It resembles no other wine, though it comes closest to
vintage port. Generosity, suppleness, power, licorice, cedar, plum, velvety tannins, an unequalled smoothness, and an endless
finale.
The editor of European Fine Wine Magazine, Pekka Nuikki writes:
Incredibly pronounced chocolaty, leathery nose, resembling port wine. Rich and ripe with great extract. The amount of almost
overripe fruit was so appealing that it was hard to resist and not drink the whole bottle right away. A very gentle and soft wine,
almost feminine in character. At the same time so powerful and masculine. It has everything a wine can offer in such a historical
and exclusive package that it is challenging to find anything as stunning as it!...And the celebrated aftertaste. We can still sense it
after two long days and nights. A perfect out-of-this-world experience.
The doyenne of British wine journalists, Jancis Robinson, describes it as follows:
Still bright crimson. Tingling with life and excitement. Rich but reverberating - like celestial sweet Earl Grey tea. Floral, lovely and so
FRESH! This wine floats across the palate. There’s the most amazing transparency to it – it’s not heavy yet it makes an
extraordinary impression. Then the flavours develop on the finish in a peacock’s tail of complexity. I honestly don’t expect ever to
taste a wine better than this.
And the hyper-influential US critic Robert Parker says:
The 1947 Cheval Blanc exhibits such a thick texture it could double as motor oil. The huge nose of fruitcake, chocolate, leather,
coffee, and Asian spices is mind-boggling. The unctuous texture and richness of sweet fruit are amazing. Consider the fact that
this wine is, technically, appallingly deficient in acidity and excessively high in alcohol. Moreover, its volatile acidity levels would be
considered intolerable by modern day oenologists. Yet how can they explain that after 47 years the wine is still remarkably fresh,
phenomenally concentrated, and profoundly complex? It has to make you wonder about the direction of modern day winemaking.
produced in the last century in the region, and many critics and connoisseurs have rated it if not the "best" (a meaningless
concept at this level), certainly as the most remarkable.
Michael Broadbent, the renowned British expert, writes in his book "Vintage Wine":
Unquestionably one of the greatest wines of all time...incredibly rich, fat, ripe...mammoth concentration and sweetness...huge,
soft, complete, rounded, fabulous, concentration.
The French wine writer Michael Dovaz says:
The invulnerable 1947 Cheval Blanc defies the laws of modern oenology. It resembles no other wine, though it comes closest to
vintage port. Generosity, suppleness, power, licorice, cedar, plum, velvety tannins, an unequalled smoothness, and an endless
finale.
The editor of European Fine Wine Magazine, Pekka Nuikki writes:
Incredibly pronounced chocolaty, leathery nose, resembling port wine. Rich and ripe with great extract. The amount of almost
overripe fruit was so appealing that it was hard to resist and not drink the whole bottle right away. A very gentle and soft wine,
almost feminine in character. At the same time so powerful and masculine. It has everything a wine can offer in such a historical
and exclusive package that it is challenging to find anything as stunning as it!...And the celebrated aftertaste. We can still sense it
after two long days and nights. A perfect out-of-this-world experience.
The doyenne of British wine journalists, Jancis Robinson, describes it as follows:
Still bright crimson. Tingling with life and excitement. Rich but reverberating - like celestial sweet Earl Grey tea. Floral, lovely and so
FRESH! This wine floats across the palate. There’s the most amazing transparency to it – it’s not heavy yet it makes an
extraordinary impression. Then the flavours develop on the finish in a peacock’s tail of complexity. I honestly don’t expect ever to
taste a wine better than this.
And the hyper-influential US critic Robert Parker says:
The 1947 Cheval Blanc exhibits such a thick texture it could double as motor oil. The huge nose of fruitcake, chocolate, leather,
coffee, and Asian spices is mind-boggling. The unctuous texture and richness of sweet fruit are amazing. Consider the fact that
this wine is, technically, appallingly deficient in acidity and excessively high in alcohol. Moreover, its volatile acidity levels would be
considered intolerable by modern day oenologists. Yet how can they explain that after 47 years the wine is still remarkably fresh,
phenomenally concentrated, and profoundly complex? It has to make you wonder about the direction of modern day winemaking.
In the last few years, we have sold some of the finest bottles of Cheval Blanc 1947 in existence.
Email us to register your interest for future bottles.
Email us to register your interest for future bottles.
In July 2007 Sotheby's sold a case of 12 for $146,429, and most recently a single bottle fetched in excess of $24000 on
auction in Hong Kong.
Cheval Blanc consists of a single plot of land of 37 hectares, just east of the town of St Emilion. The soil is gravel, and is
planted with one third Merlot and two thirds Cabernet France, a proportion not found elsewhere in the region. It is the
youngest of the Premier Crus - the estate was founded as recently as 1854, and remained in the family of the original
owners until 1998.
The 1947 vintage was characterized by near perfect weather with very little rain and exceptionally warm conditions from April
right through October, ie throughout the growing and ripening seasons. The unusual heat during harvesting (in excess of
35C), resulting in the grape berries reaching the fermentation vats very warm, often a recipe for disaster due to resulting
overactive fermentation. But while these problems manifested themselves elsewhere, at Cheval Blanc everything proceeded
smoothly, without problems, possibly due to the cooling effects of the concrete fermentation vats used, and experience
developed handling the 1945 vintage, which had been similarly hot. The grapes were healthy, sweet and rich, and all the
musts exceeded an alcohol content of 14% (it was very rare in this era to make a wine of more than 13%).
Pierre Lurton, who manages the estate on behalf of its owners describes the 1947 as “an accident of nature”. “There is a lot
of volatile acidity which enhances the aromas, with some residual sugar which gives a lot of sweetness and fatness.”
Lurton goes on “1947, 1948, 1949 and 1959 are a fantastic series of vintages for Cheval Blanc, and all the first growths.
(The 1947) is still very young. The wine is so concentrated, elegant and fine. The tannin is velvety. The wine had a long, long
finish and there is no dryness.”
auction in Hong Kong.
Cheval Blanc consists of a single plot of land of 37 hectares, just east of the town of St Emilion. The soil is gravel, and is
planted with one third Merlot and two thirds Cabernet France, a proportion not found elsewhere in the region. It is the
youngest of the Premier Crus - the estate was founded as recently as 1854, and remained in the family of the original
owners until 1998.
The 1947 vintage was characterized by near perfect weather with very little rain and exceptionally warm conditions from April
right through October, ie throughout the growing and ripening seasons. The unusual heat during harvesting (in excess of
35C), resulting in the grape berries reaching the fermentation vats very warm, often a recipe for disaster due to resulting
overactive fermentation. But while these problems manifested themselves elsewhere, at Cheval Blanc everything proceeded
smoothly, without problems, possibly due to the cooling effects of the concrete fermentation vats used, and experience
developed handling the 1945 vintage, which had been similarly hot. The grapes were healthy, sweet and rich, and all the
musts exceeded an alcohol content of 14% (it was very rare in this era to make a wine of more than 13%).
Pierre Lurton, who manages the estate on behalf of its owners describes the 1947 as “an accident of nature”. “There is a lot
of volatile acidity which enhances the aromas, with some residual sugar which gives a lot of sweetness and fatness.”
Lurton goes on “1947, 1948, 1949 and 1959 are a fantastic series of vintages for Cheval Blanc, and all the first growths.
(The 1947) is still very young. The wine is so concentrated, elegant and fine. The tannin is velvety. The wine had a long, long
finish and there is no dryness.”
Petrus 1989 magnum and 1990 double magnum
SOLD
SOLD
Chateau Mouton-Rothschild 1945
A Churchill of a Wine - Inimitable, Incomparable
A Churchill of a Wine - Inimitable, Incomparable
"Mouton 45" is a legend in the wine world - there is nothing quite like it. Its renown is likely due to both its extraordinary
nose - famously redolent of eucalyptus - and the symbolism of its date and label, the 'V' representing the hard-won triumph
of good over the forces of on this occasion, a symbolic design intended to celebrate the return of peace. He commissioned
this work froma young unknown artist, Philippe Julian. M. Julian submitted several drafts for the label, and the final one is
based on the 'V for Victory' made famous by Winston Churchill throughout the war. This marked the beginning of a series of
specially designed labels for each vintage. For each year a different artist was commissioned, and the payment was always
in wine.
Michael Broadbent, the renowned British expert, writes in his book "Vintage Wine":
The first thing to notice is its extraordinary colour. I have on more than one occasion recognized the wine by this alone. And its
bouquet is equally distinctive, in fact one of the most astonishing smells ever to emerge from grapes grown out of doors. The
power and spiciness surges out of the glass like a sudden eruption of Mount Etna: cinnamon, eucalyptus, ginger. Impossible to
describe but inimitable, incomparable, its fragrance is reflected on the palate. Still lovely, still vivacious. Seemingly tireless - indeed
another half-century anticipated.
The French wine writer Michael Dovaz says:
The robe of this legendary wine has remained dark and opaque, though there is an imperceptible browning at the edge of the disk.
The bouquet is typical of 'flamboyant Mouton' - baroque, spicy, luxuriant, almost uncontrolled. After this the body appears to be
disciplined, but it is there, unfailingly.
The editor of European Fine Wine Magazine, Pekka Nuikki writes:
Deep dark and thick colour. Sound and wide-open, huge, incredibly sweet nose of black currant, coffee and eucalyptus. All the
pieces came together in a perfect balance creating an extraordinary, highly concentrated, luxurious and prosperous wine with a
powerful, everlasting aftertaste.
The doyenne of British wine journalists, Jancis Robinson, describes it as follows:
Very, very dark in colour. Extraordinary concentration in this famous wine. The aromas are just slightly porty in their ripeness and
concentration but then the wine (still) has so much vitality that it rises above it all to be wonderfully vital. Truly a miraculous wine
that I had the pleasure of encountering at the great celebration of the 50th anniversary of the end of the second world war at the
British embassy in Paris. So rich and wonderfully persistent. What a treat!
And the hyper-influential US critic Robert Parker says:
A consistent 100-point wine (only because my point scale stops at that number), the 1945 Mouton-Rothschild is truly one of the
immortal wines of the century. This wine is easily identifiable because of its remarkably exotic, over-ripe, sweet nose of black fruits,
coffee, tobacco, mocha, and Asian spices. It is an extraordinarily dense, opulent, and rich wine, with layers of creamy fruit,
behaveing more like a 1947 Pomerol than a structured, powerful, and tannic 1945. The wine finishes with a 60+ second display of
ripe fruit, extract, and sweet tannin. This remarkably youthful wine (only light amber at the edge) is mindboggling! Will it last
another 50 years?
nose - famously redolent of eucalyptus - and the symbolism of its date and label, the 'V' representing the hard-won triumph
of good over the forces of on this occasion, a symbolic design intended to celebrate the return of peace. He commissioned
this work froma young unknown artist, Philippe Julian. M. Julian submitted several drafts for the label, and the final one is
based on the 'V for Victory' made famous by Winston Churchill throughout the war. This marked the beginning of a series of
specially designed labels for each vintage. For each year a different artist was commissioned, and the payment was always
in wine.
Michael Broadbent, the renowned British expert, writes in his book "Vintage Wine":
The first thing to notice is its extraordinary colour. I have on more than one occasion recognized the wine by this alone. And its
bouquet is equally distinctive, in fact one of the most astonishing smells ever to emerge from grapes grown out of doors. The
power and spiciness surges out of the glass like a sudden eruption of Mount Etna: cinnamon, eucalyptus, ginger. Impossible to
describe but inimitable, incomparable, its fragrance is reflected on the palate. Still lovely, still vivacious. Seemingly tireless - indeed
another half-century anticipated.
The French wine writer Michael Dovaz says:
The robe of this legendary wine has remained dark and opaque, though there is an imperceptible browning at the edge of the disk.
The bouquet is typical of 'flamboyant Mouton' - baroque, spicy, luxuriant, almost uncontrolled. After this the body appears to be
disciplined, but it is there, unfailingly.
The editor of European Fine Wine Magazine, Pekka Nuikki writes:
Deep dark and thick colour. Sound and wide-open, huge, incredibly sweet nose of black currant, coffee and eucalyptus. All the
pieces came together in a perfect balance creating an extraordinary, highly concentrated, luxurious and prosperous wine with a
powerful, everlasting aftertaste.
The doyenne of British wine journalists, Jancis Robinson, describes it as follows:
Very, very dark in colour. Extraordinary concentration in this famous wine. The aromas are just slightly porty in their ripeness and
concentration but then the wine (still) has so much vitality that it rises above it all to be wonderfully vital. Truly a miraculous wine
that I had the pleasure of encountering at the great celebration of the 50th anniversary of the end of the second world war at the
British embassy in Paris. So rich and wonderfully persistent. What a treat!
And the hyper-influential US critic Robert Parker says:
A consistent 100-point wine (only because my point scale stops at that number), the 1945 Mouton-Rothschild is truly one of the
immortal wines of the century. This wine is easily identifiable because of its remarkably exotic, over-ripe, sweet nose of black fruits,
coffee, tobacco, mocha, and Asian spices. It is an extraordinarily dense, opulent, and rich wine, with layers of creamy fruit,
behaveing more like a 1947 Pomerol than a structured, powerful, and tannic 1945. The wine finishes with a 60+ second display of
ripe fruit, extract, and sweet tannin. This remarkably youthful wine (only light amber at the edge) is mindboggling! Will it last
another 50 years?
In the last few years, we have sold some of the finest bottles of Mouton Rothschild 1945 in existence.
Email us to register your interest for future bottles.
Email us to register your interest for future bottles.
The fact that this was the first post-war
harvest ought to have been enough to
immortalize the vintage, but the freak weather
conditions made it even more memorable. In
the first few days of May, there was a sudden,
heavy, and very late frost, which blackened
four-fifths of the vineyard. The Merlot vines,
which flowered earlier than the Cabernets,
were the worst affected. Subsequent hot, dry
weather soon restored the situation, but the
eventual harvest was extremely small. The
yield per hectare was the lowest it had been
in 60 years (around 10h per ha). Not only
were there few grapes to a bunch, but the
berries were extremely small. The juice was
greatly concentrated and the ratio between
skin area and volume was extremely
favourable for maximum extraction. So ripe
were the grapes, that the musts sometimes
attained 15% alcohol.
harvest ought to have been enough to
immortalize the vintage, but the freak weather
conditions made it even more memorable. In
the first few days of May, there was a sudden,
heavy, and very late frost, which blackened
four-fifths of the vineyard. The Merlot vines,
which flowered earlier than the Cabernets,
were the worst affected. Subsequent hot, dry
weather soon restored the situation, but the
eventual harvest was extremely small. The
yield per hectare was the lowest it had been
in 60 years (around 10h per ha). Not only
were there few grapes to a bunch, but the
berries were extremely small. The juice was
greatly concentrated and the ratio between
skin area and volume was extremely
favourable for maximum extraction. So ripe
were the grapes, that the musts sometimes
attained 15% alcohol.
Mouton-Rothschild 1945
Three fine magnums of "Reserve du Chateau",
sold by Finest and Rarest.
Three fine magnums of "Reserve du Chateau",
sold by Finest and Rarest.
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a ploy to put the estate up for sale, and eventually emerged after an auction having regained the 20% shares owned by
négociants Barton, Guestier and Johnston. The Société Civile de Château Latour was formed in 1842, exclusive to the family,
who then had become shareholders. Ahead of the International Exhibition in Paris, the selection of Latour as one of the four
First Growths in the Classification of 1855 consolidated its reputation, and ensured its high prices. The present château was
completed in 1864.
In 1963 the estate finally left the Ségur family, when the heirs sold three-quarters of the Château Latour shares to the
British interests of the Pearson Group. Investments were made in research, vineyards were expanded by acquisition and
replanting, the chai was extended and Latour became the first of the first growths to modernise their whole production,
replacing the old oak fermenting vats with stainless steel temperature-controlled vats. The second wine with fruit from
younger vines was initiated, and fruit for the grand vin was decided to come exclusively from the vineyards shown on the
plan of the domain from 1759. In 1989 Latour was purchased by Allied Lyons for around £110 million, but in 1993 returned to
French ownership when bought by businessman François Pinault for £86 million when it became part of his holding company
Groupe Artemis.
The estate has 78 hectares (190 acres) of vineyard, of which a 47-hectare (120-acre) portion near the château is named
l'Enclos, where fruit exclusive to the grand vin is grown. The composition of grape varieties is 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18%
Merlot, and 2% of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The grand vin Chateau Latour, typically a blend of 75% Cabernet
Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, with the remainder Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, normally has an annual production of 18,000
cases.
négociants Barton, Guestier and Johnston. The Société Civile de Château Latour was formed in 1842, exclusive to the family,
who then had become shareholders. Ahead of the International Exhibition in Paris, the selection of Latour as one of the four
First Growths in the Classification of 1855 consolidated its reputation, and ensured its high prices. The present château was
completed in 1864.
In 1963 the estate finally left the Ségur family, when the heirs sold three-quarters of the Château Latour shares to the
British interests of the Pearson Group. Investments were made in research, vineyards were expanded by acquisition and
replanting, the chai was extended and Latour became the first of the first growths to modernise their whole production,
replacing the old oak fermenting vats with stainless steel temperature-controlled vats. The second wine with fruit from
younger vines was initiated, and fruit for the grand vin was decided to come exclusively from the vineyards shown on the
plan of the domain from 1759. In 1989 Latour was purchased by Allied Lyons for around £110 million, but in 1993 returned to
French ownership when bought by businessman François Pinault for £86 million when it became part of his holding company
Groupe Artemis.
The estate has 78 hectares (190 acres) of vineyard, of which a 47-hectare (120-acre) portion near the château is named
l'Enclos, where fruit exclusive to the grand vin is grown. The composition of grape varieties is 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18%
Merlot, and 2% of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The grand vin Chateau Latour, typically a blend of 75% Cabernet
Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, with the remainder Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, normally has an annual production of 18,000
cases.