Château Mouton Rothschild Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend 1982

Jay Kline

Forty-plus years on, people still talk about the greatness of the 1982 vintage in Bordeaux. There are multiple factors that contribute to this and it’s fair to say that Robert Parker’s reaction played a major role in the early popularity; certainly in the States. While some may say that 1982 was merely a “good” vintage by today’s standards, I think history has proven it to be empirically special; there was just so much quality from top to bottom. And yet, even with the high praise of the vintage, the tone shifts to hushed whispers when the 1982 Mouton gets mentioned. Up until that point, the Chateau had sort of underachieved after receiving its unprecedented promotion in 1973. But in 1982, a year full of great wine, they created a legend and firmly cemented their First Growth status. Today, I’m pleased to report the plaudits for the ’82 are all warranted. Opened and double-decanted earlier in the day. The ’82 Mouton pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core with some sediment; almost youthful when compared to many of the other older wines poured on the night. On the nose, the wine is developing still; loaded with cassis, black berries, leaf tobacco, leather, and fine baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with fabulous structure. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and full of power. A stunning wine and well in its prime…a window I expect will remain open for a longtime to come. Drink now with bacchanalian abandon and through 2082.

Lee Pitofsky

The legend! En Magnum! Amazing wine. Just profound. One to remember…

Mike Saviage

Tasted blind. Reddish scarlet color. Odd nose with notes like roseste and asian tea that led me to think this was Italian. Rustic with chicory notes that come on. Good wine, but the lowest performer of the 45/59/61/82/86 Moutons we were treated to tonight.

Conrad Green

very poised and Pretty. Deep bramble fruit. Great balance. Sexy

Antonio Galloni

Founder, Vinous

Forgot to take a pic of just the 1982 Mouton. Just gorgeous last night. Perfumed, racy, sensual and alluring, with exceptional balance. Loved it...

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The 1982 Mouton-Rothschild continues to be the extravagant Pauillac that it has always been. This has an irresistible, exotic bouquet of precocious kirsch, hoisin, graphite and blueberry scents that gain intensity in the glass. The palate is a little headier than previous bottles, sensual and almost glossy, presenting a glycerin-rich smorgasbord of dark cherries, black currant, crème de menthe and mint that almost knocks you off your feet. Fabulous. Tasted from an ex-château jeroboam at the Palace of Versailles charity dinner. (Neal Martin, Vinous, December 2019)

Andrew Lohse

Legendary. Dense fruit and earth. Power and punch.

Shana Wall

#ChateauMoutonRothschild #1982 Beautiful Garnet color with gorgeous salmon rim. Color does not give away its age to this level. Smokey, Dark Plum, Prune & Floral nose. Layers and layers of flavor unveiled as it opens up over the next hour and a half. Red Cherry, Cranberry, Prune, Black Plum, Tobacco, Clove spice, Salty, Savory, herbal, Sage, Green Bell Pepper, Toasted Chili Flakes, Potpourri, a touch of Madagascar Vanilla... Good acidity, mellow Tannins, very smooth and graceful with a medium plus finish that you just don't want to let go of! Love, Love, Love her!

Adam Jesberger

Well, as expected this was basically perfection. Impossible to explain the complexity of the black and dried fruit. Lead and distinct turned earth notes. Lengthiest finish i may have ever experienced. Goes on forever. Loved it!

Ed Lehrman

My only bottle of 82 Mouton, sadly. This was about as classic a Pauillac as it gets. Hard to believe it is 40 years old as it is sitting somewhere in mid-life. Lovely deep currant fruit, pencil lead, fairly seamless and perfectly balanced tannins and everything else. Will think fondly of this one.