Mouton-Rothschild is famous on so many different levels. From the different artists’ work that adorn each vintage label release, to the exuberant character of the late Baroness Philippine de Rothschild and her father Philippe, to its place in the Bordeaux hierarchy and of course to the utterly wonderful wine it makes.

Originally known as Château Brane-Mouton, it was renamed by Nathaniel de Rothschild in 1853 when he purchased it. Just two years later the great classification of Bordeaux for the Exposition Universelle in Paris was created. Nathaniel had begun a series of sweeping changes to improve the property and its wines and recapture the status for which they had been noted for centuries. But the changes weren’t complete when in 1855 the Médoc classification awarded Mouton-Rothschild status as Deuxième Grand Cru Classé. This lead to a long battle to have Mouton recognised for its true worth, which was finally achieved in 1973 by Baron Philippe de Rothschild. The wine was elevated, the first and only change to the classification ever made. The label of 1973 reads: ‘Premier je suis. Second je fus. Mouton ne change’ – ‘First, I am. Second, I used to be. Mouton does not change’. Fittingly, somehow, 1973 was the year of Picasso’s death, and so it is his painting that adorns this ever-so famous label.

“The Rothschilds of Château Mouton-Rothschild have been some of the most dynamic, visionary figures in the wine world, unwilling to accept second place and perpetually focused on the horizon. Who else could have rewritten the supposedly unalterable 1855 Classification of Bordeaux to join the select inner circle of first-growths?” The Wine Spectator

Although Mouton means ‘sheep’, and the property and its wine label is flamboyantly endowed with a great deal of ram and sheep motifs, the word actually came from ‘small hill’. It is this hill that provides the perfect exposure to the sun for the vines to create the bottled-magic that is Mouton Rothschild.

Pauillac is a wine appellation located in the Médoc region of Bordeaux, France. It is known for producing some of the finest red wines in the world, with a reputation for elegance, complexity, and longevity. Pauillac is home to some of the most famous châteaux in Bordeaux, including Château Lafite Rothschild, Château Latour, and Château Mouton Rothschild.

The history of winemaking in Pauillac dates back to the Roman era, but it was not until the 17th century that the region began to gain recognition for its wines. The Dutch were the first to recognize the potential of Pauillac wines, and they began importing them to their home country in large quantities. In the 18th century, Pauillac wines became popular in England, and they were soon being exported to other parts of Europe and the world.

The style of production in Pauillac is traditional, with a focus on quality over quantity. The vineyards are planted on gravelly soils, which provide excellent drainage and reflect the heat back onto the vines, helping to ripen the grapes. The grapes grown in Pauillac are predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, with smaller amounts of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. The wines are typically aged in oak barrels for 18-24 months, which adds complexity and depth to the final product.

The typical wines from Pauillac are full-bodied, with intense aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry, and cedar. They are known for their firm tannins, which give the wines structure and longevity. Pauillac wines are often described as having a "pencil lead" or "graphite" character, which is a result of the gravelly soils in which the grapes are grown. The wines are also known for their ability to age gracefully, with some of the best vintages lasting for decades.

In conclusion, Pauillac is a wine appellation with a rich history and a reputation for producing some of the finest red wines in the world. The traditional style of production, the gravelly soils, and the focus on quality over quantity all contribute to the unique character of Pauillac wines. If you are looking for a wine with elegance, complexity, and longevity, look no further than Pauillac.