Beschreibung:

Château Mouton-Rothschild--Vintage 1952
2 bottles per lot
CHÂTEAU MOUTON-ROTHSCHILD Château Mouton-Rothschild stands alone in its feat of being the only château of the 1855 Médoc Classification to change status. While this classification purported to consider only market prices in its framework, the exclusion of Mouton from the ranks of the four other premiers grands crus classés reeked of bias. The château was certainly of high pedigree, making its first appearance in a Christie's catalogue in 1834. The new English owner Baron Nathaniel de Rothschild was dissatisfied, but only when his son Philippe took the helm in 1922 were serious strides made. A few years after this appointment, the young Baron Philippe proposed château bottling for all the first growths and Mouton-Rothschild itself, ensuring greater quality control. Mouton was the first to achieve château bottling of a harvest in 1924. The Baron diligently worked towards correcting what he called "the monstrous injustice". Overcoming the inertia of a system steeped in tradition, politics and tremendous wealth, Mouton was reclassified from a second to a first growth in 1973 after Philippe de Rothschild's 21 year campaign. Despite rumors that persist each year, no other has achieved a promotion or even demotion since. The very rare vertical offering of Mouton presents an opportunity to reflect in the château's historical evolution from the "Année de la Victoire" - a château and family relieved at the end of WWII - to a modern grand château commanding some of the highest prices in the world, Through these years, the Château has passed to be the next generation of Rothschild family, new vines have been planted and new winemakers create in the Grand Chai designed by Charles Sicils in 1926. 1945 represents the first vintage in the series that Baron Philippe commissioned an artist to create a label for his prized elixir. Today Baroness Philippine de Rothschild continues this tradition since her father's passing in 1988. The notable artists' labels from Picasso to Warhol reflect the tastes of the years as they passed. Some vintages corresponded to events such as Queen Elizabeth II's visit in 1977 or other such as the 1993 Balthus label caused scandal when the American BATF rejected the drawing of the nude nymphet. All are highly coveted individually and together create a legendary collection that befits the château's accession to glory. Château Mouton-Rothschild--Vintage 1952 Pauillac, 1er cru classé Offered in a carton. Corroded capsules and one damaged. One bin-soiled label. Levels: one top and one mid-shoulder Tasting Note: The sweet, spicy, gingery nose lacks ripeness of fruit. In the mouth, this wine exhibits structured, firm, medium-bodied flavors, good depth, but tough tannins and relatively high acidity in the finish. Although there is plenty of character, the wine finishes with a lean, rustic feel. Owners of the 1952 Mouton-Rothschild can easily cellar it for another ten or more years, but I doubt whether any more joy will emerge. Robert Parker Wine Advocate #84 (Dec 1992) 2 bottles per lot