Chateau Mouton Rothschild 1988

One of the biggest Médocs of the vintage, the dense garnet/plum-coloured 1988 Mouton has an attractive aromas of Asian spices, dried herbs, minerals, coffee, black currants and sweet oak. Much like the 1989, the bouquet is alluring. The flavors continue to add bulk and the wine is better than I initially thought. In the mouth, it is a much firmer, tougher, more obviously tannic wine than the 1989, with full body and admirable ripeness. This is a muscular, large-scaled 1988 that will last another 15-20 years. I clearly underestimated this wine in its infancy. If the truth be known, it is superior to the more renowned vintages of 1990 and 1989! Anticipated maturity: 2008 - 2030.

The 1988 has an aroma of exotic spices, minerals, blackcurrants, and oak. In the mouth, it is a much firmer, tougher, more obviously tannic wine than the 1989. It is a beautifully made 1988 that will last 20-30 years, but the astringency of the tannins is slightly troubling. Patience will be a necessity for purchasers of this wine. Anticipated maturity: 2000-2030

Though I don't consider this a perfect wine, it has always been classic in quality. It's rich and fruity, with loads of currant, tobacco, smoke and new wood on the nose and palate. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and an elegant finish.--1988 Bordeaux horizontal. Best after 2000.