The 2001 Mouton-Rothschild contains 20% vin de presse and 12.6° alcohol. It has a vibrant, captivating bouquet that explodes from the glass with precocious black cherries, sous-bois, mint and a touch of Seville oranges, displaying precision and class. The medium-bodied palate shows good density and offers sappy black fruit, white pepper and just a touch of tobacco. Quite muscular for a 2001, and perhaps missing the clarity and pixelation that the next winemaker, Philippe Dhalluin, subsequently imparted. This is a thoroughly enjoyable Mouton-Rothschild, even if it is not the same pedigree as recent vintages.

The estate’s second wine, the 2001 Le Petit Mouton, is an atypical blend of 87% Cabernet Franc and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. It could easily be mistaken for a Loire Valley cuvee given its light to medium body and herbal/vegetal, sweet cranberry and currant-scented bouquet. The charming aromatics are followed by meager flavors and a tannic component. Drink it over the next 5-6 years.