Château Mouton Cadet Philippe De Rothschild 1980

Tasting note: Château Mouton Cadet Philippe de Rothschild 1980

(Bordeaux, France - probably a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc)

Vintage 1980 in Bordeaux:
1980 was a rather difficult year in Bordeaux, characterised by cool weather and rain during the harvest. This led to lighter, less concentrated wines with reduced ageing potential. Many wines from this vintage were categorised as precocious and are now well past their prime.

Sensory description (assuming a well-aged specimen):

• Colour:Now heavily aged, with a faded ruby-red core and orange to brown edges. Clear signs of oxidation.

• Nose:Restrained, with dominant tertiary aromas: dried mushrooms, damp leaves, tobacco, leather and a slight hint of preserved cherry compote. Fresh fruit is barely recognisable, possibly a hint of dried herbs.

• Palate:Very lean, with dwindling acidity and soft, almost dissolved tannins. The body is thin, the former structure has largely faded. Remnants of mature flavours such as tobacco, forest floor and a slightly metallic note characterise the profile.

• Finish: Short and dull, with a hint of bitterness and dryness.

Rating:
The 1980 Mouton Cadet is an example of a wine that is clearly past its prime. As a simple Bordeaux from a weak vintage, it was not designed for long ageing. Today, it mainly offers historical interest or a nostalgic experience. Well-preserved bottles might still show a certain elegance, but most examples are probably overripe, oxidised or even blunted.

Recommendation:

• Only drink if the bottle has been stored properly (cool, dark, constant temperature).

• Decant carefully to separate sediment.

• As an accompaniment to subtle dishes such as cheese platters or light pasta dishes - not suitable for complex pairings.

Conclusion:
A contemporary testimony to Bordeaux wine culture, but no longer a culinary highlight. Interesting for collectors or wine historians, less so for connoisseurs looking for intense flavours.

(Note: Tasting notes for very old wines vary greatly depending on storage conditions!) 🍷