Château Mouton Rothschild 1964

Château Mouton Rothschild 1964

1.Classification and background
Château Mouton Rothschild is one of the most famous wine estates in the world and is one of the five Premier Crus of the Médoc (since the official reclassification in 1973). The vineyard in the Pauillac appellation on the left bank of the Gironde is known in particular for its powerful, long-lasting and extraordinarily complex Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant wines.

The 1964 vintage belongs to an era before modern, technological winemaking methods. It was the last vintage label before the introduction of the famous artist's label(starting in 1945, but regularly from 1965 with a specially commissioned artist). The label for the 1964 vintage still bears the family coat of arms.

2. The 1964 vintage in Bordeaux

• General assessment: A good but not great vintage, it followed the legendary 1961 and was initially highly praised but did not develop the longevity of the very best years.

• Weather conditions: The year began promisingly with a warm, dry spring and summer. The decisive factor, however, was the very rainy September shortly before and during the harvest. This led to dilution and rotting problems for many estates.

• The consequences: The quality is heavily dependent on the château, but wineries with the best sites (such as Mouton) and strict selection were still able to produce very good wines. In general, the wines from the left-hand side (Médoc) are often considered better than those from the right-hand side this year. the 1964s were typically early-ripening, with a relatively soft tannin structure.

3.Sensory evaluation & drinking maturity (as of 2024)
A 60-year-old wine is a historical document. Its condition is absolutely dependent on its storage history(cool, dark, constant temperature, high humidity). If stored perfectly, the following description could apply:

• Colour: Medium to pale brick red to mahogany, with a broad orange rim. Typical of fully mature Bordeaux.

• Nose: The primary fruit has long since disappeared. The bouquet is dominated by tertiary aromas: Cedar wood, tobacco leaves, fine leather notes, truffles, wet forest floor, mushroomsand an elegant, animal note. In a good example, a pithy fruit concentration (dried plum, blackcurrant compote) may still be noticeable.

• Palate: Medium-bodied, with a surprisingly lively acidity that gives the wine structure. The tannins should be fully integrated and silky. The flavour echoes the nose with notes of tobacco, cedar, chocolate and a characteristic mineral finesse (pencil shavings) of Pauillac. The finish is moderately long, elegant and restrained rather than powerful.

• Overall impression: This is not a powerful, monumental Mouton like a 1982 or 1986; it is an elegant, fully mature and complex classic that bears its origins and age with dignity. It epitomises the style of a bygone era.

4. Current drinking maturity & recommendations

• Drinking window: The wine has been ready to drink for many years and is on a plateau. If stored properly, it can still remain at this level, but should be consumed soon as it is no longer gaining in complexity. The risk of deterioration increases.

• Decanting: Decant carefully and briefly (max. 30 minutes), primarily to separate the sediment. Prolonged decanting could cause the already fragile flavours to volatilise.

• Serving temperature: 16-17°C.

• Food recommendation: Simple, non-dominant accompaniments that place the wine centre stage: Fillet steak with truffle sauce, roast fillet of venison, or mature cheeses such as an old Gouda or Comté.

5.Conclusion
Château Mouton Rothschild 1964 is a historically fascinating wine of good quality from a difficult vintage. It offers a rare opportunity to experience a mature classic from another era. Its value today lies less in a spectacular sensory revelation (which is possible in the best vintages) than in its elegance, complexity and aura.

A well-preserved example is a delight for collectors and connoisseurs who appreciate the nuances of a fully mature Bordeaux. However, one should not expect youthful vigour or fruitiness, but the melancholy beauty of an old gentleman.

Rating (taking vintage and age into account): Very good (90-92 points). A great experience with perfect provenance, otherwise with high risk.