Chateau Mouton Rothschild in Pauillac, is a large estate that definitely has the tourism part of the wine business in full gear.  Mouton Rothschild was the only Chateau that we visited in Bordeaux that was very commercial on the tourism front.  We were part of a large group touring the wine facility and there were several more large groups waiting.  Our guide was very knowledgeable and personable – and kind, considering we were running a bit late due to our lunch at Lion d’Or.  We drove ourselves on this trip, and all in all, we did fairly well, though we did have a bit of trouble staying on schedule here and there!

The estate is beautiful, but definitely of newer construction.  There’s a self-described focus on art and beauty, with zen-raked pathways and golden stone walls. Naturally, in deference to their labels which rotate art each year, Mouton Rothschild also has very nice museum on site that is worth seeing, though it takes a while to get through it in a group, so you want to plan accordingly.  We weren’t allowed to take pictures in the museum, so the picture of the famous Ram logo is the last we got before entering.

This clever chateau actually built windows into their wooden vats, so that they could have a better visual of the interiors.  We didn’t get the chance to inquire about why more chateau don’t do this, as it seemed like a smart – and useful – innovation.

While at the Chateau, we were able to taste barrel samples of 3 wines from the 2012 vintage:

2012 Chateau d’Armailhac  – Subtle nose of red fruit, in the mouth tart red fruit with a slight green streak running through it, strong acidity and a dry tannic short finish.

2012 Chateau Clerc Milon  – sweet red/black fruit and coconut on the nose, with a little bit of green bell pepper.  Richer in the mouth, with medium dark fruits, a little wood, good acidity and a medium dry finish.

2012 Chateau Mouton Rothschild  – Richer dark Red and black fruit with a little charred oak on the nose.  In the mouth, rich red fruit combined with blackberries, smooth and full bodied, good acidity and a slight green bell pepper, rich red fruit flavors coming through again on the long dry tannic finish.