Sometimes I discover a wine that takes my breath away. I guess I should have expected to have that experience many times over at the New York Wine Experience held by the Wine Spectator on Thursday. This year I focused mainly on French wines that I never have the opportunity to taste such as this one from Chateau Mouton-Rothschild. It was a 2003 which in many parts of Europe was not a great year however apparently at a Chateau of this magnitude and prestige, they managed it exceptionally well. I loved it. According to their website, the vines had such deep roots that they were able to manage the extreme heat and provide healthy fruit.

A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon 76%, Merlot 14%, Cabernet Franc 8%, and Petit Verdot 2%. The Chateau considers this a very successful vintage. It was marvelous, everything you want in a red wine – layered, nuanced, rich and complex on the nose and palate with an incredibly silky, plush mouthfeel and a very long finish. I loved it and felt privileged to drink it. There are only five first growth red Bordeaux and Mouton is one of them.

2003 is the 150th anniversary of Mouton’s entry into the family. The Chateau usually has an artist do their labels but for the 2003 they have put a picture  Baron Nathaniel de Rothschild to celebrate his 1853 acquisition of the Mouton estate.

An incredible wine and one that I will remember for a long time.