The wine has beautiful depth of colour, almost black with a blueish tint.
The nose is complex, with notes of blackberry and redcurrant and a touch of smoke, revealing still discreet oak.
The attack is full and generous, while the tannins elegantly enfold flavours of liquorice, mocha and vanilla.
The finish is long and flavoursome, full of freshness and fruit, set off by delicious touches of toast. A vintage as elegant as it is promising.
What the critics say...
Robert Parker: 94 points(01/05/2009)
Deep garnet-black. There’s a wonderful purity of fruit on the nose with aromas of warm blackcurrant, dark cherries, dark chocolate, anise, cinnamon and a waft of cedar. The palate is relatively rich with a medium to full body and a good amount of ripe, mouth-filling fruit. Medium+ level of velvety tannins and medium+ acidity provide nice balance. Long spicy finish. Drink 2011 to 2030+. Tasted February 2009.
Since 1933, Baron Philippe de Rothschild SA, located at Pauillac in the Médoc, has been motivated by a constant ambition: to make the world's finest wines, each in its own category, whether the châteaux wines for which it is responsible – the renowned Château Mouton Rothschild, a First Growth, and... its distinguished lieutenants, Château Clerc Milon and Château d'Armailhac – or branded wines, like the famous Mouton Cadet.
Baron Philippe de Rothschild SA has also exported its know-how beyond Bordeaux: to the Pays d'Oc, with a range of varietal wines and, more recently, Domaine de Baron'arques; to California, with Opus One; and to Chile, with Almaviva.
One of the key factors behind the company's undisputed success is the art of blending, which it practises with exceptional skill. Baroness Philippine de Rothschild, the majority shareholder of Baron Philippe de Rothschild SA, works closely with the executive directors to maintain, modernise and develop the family business.
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