After less than persuasive performances in two potentially great years, 1989 and 1990, Mouton-Rothschild appears to have settled down, producing fine efforts in recent vintages, culminating with the enormously promising, unquestionably profound 1995. The 1994 appears to be the finest Mouton-Rothschild made following the 1986 and before the 1995's conception. The wine exhibits a dense, saturated purple color, followed by a classic Mouton nose of sweet black fruits intermingled with smoke, pain grillee, spice, and cedar. Medium to full-bodied, with outstanding concentration, a layered feel, plenty of tannin, and rich, concentrated fruit, this wine is similar to the fine 1988. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2025. By the way, the Dutch artist, Appel, has created a gorgeous label for the 1994. Although Mouton-Rothschild can be among the most inconsistent first-growths, when this estate gets everything right, the wine can be as compelling as any produced in Bordeaux.

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Decanted for 1.5 hours and consumed over the following 2 hours. Deep, virtually opaque, black garnet color with only a hint of fading a the rim. Complex but never intense aroma of cassis, tar, some tobacco, cranberries, clay, iron, and tea. The palate was similar to the nose, complex, beautifully balanced, elegant and mouth-filling. There was ample fruit and moderate tannin and none of the green, edgy taste I've experienced with other wines from this vintage. I would even call the wine graceful. While it lacked the pizzazz, power, or intensity of Mouton in great vintages it was nonetheless quite good from first sip to the end. Purchased on release and stored in my cellar since.

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