Mouton Rothschild 2004 750ml

Château Mouton Rothschild, the Pauillac first growth famous for commissioning a different artist to design each vintage's label, produced a classically structured wine in 2004. That year's label was painted by Prince Charles, now King Charles III, marking the centenary of the Entente Cordiale between Britain and France. The vintage itself was a traditional Médoc year that favored Cabernet Sauvignon, yielding a firm, savory claret rather than a flamboyant one. Expect cassis and crushed blackberry, cedar, graphite, Indian spice and a hint of chocolate, with fine but persistent tannins and fresh acidity. It earned strong marks from Decanter, Wine Spectator, James Suckling and Vinous. Now in its drinking window, it should continue to drink well through the 2030s.