1988 Château Mouton Rothschild

The Hidden Cellar is Grand Cru's exclusive wine club concept, specially designed for our most loyal customers. You automatically become a member if you regularly order from Grand Cru. As a Hidden Cellar member, you'll have first access to a selection of exceptionally rare wines: vintages, iconic Bordeaux appellations and Burgundies, Italian Super Tuscans, Napa Valley wines, and rare Champagne. We can offer these gems directly from the wineries at very attractive prices (well below market), often wines that are no longer available or unaffordable. So, the wines come directly from the wineries and haven't traveled halfway around the world in questionable circumstances. View all the benefits on the Hidden Cellar page .

Château Mouton Rothschild and its rich history

Château Mouton Rothschild is one of Bordeaux's most famous wineries. Located in Pauillac, in the Médoc, this estate has been in the Rothschild family since the 19th century. Acquired in 1853 by Baron Nathaniel de Rothschild, the estate has since become one of the most influential and prestigious producers in the wine world. The vineyards are situated on gravelly soils that drain exceptionally well, allowing the Cabernet Sauvignon grape to ripen optimally.

A special feature of Mouton Rothschild is its annual collaboration with artists on the label. Since 1945, each label has been designed by an internationally renowned artist, making each vintage not only a wine but also a work of art.

The Pauillac appellation and its unique terroir

Pauillac is known for its powerful, structured wines, often among the longest-aging wines in Bordeaux. The climate is temperate maritime, influenced by the Atlantic Ocean. The soil, rich in gravel and pebbles, offers a perfect balance between drainage and heat retention, essential for the ripening of Cabernet Sauvignon. Mouton Rothschild owns over 90 hectares of vineyards, the majority of which are planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, supplemented with Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot.

Composition and vinification of the 1988 Château Mouton Rothschild

The 1988 Mouton Rothschild is a blend dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, supplemented by Merlot and a small percentage of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The 1988 vintage was characterized by a cool spring and a warm, dry summer, resulting in grapes with a firm structure and a pronounced tannic backbone. These conditions produced a wine that lends itself to very long aging.

Fermentation took place in oak vats, followed by aging in new French oak barrels for 18 to 24 months. This process gives the wine its characteristic complexity and depth, with aromas that continue to develop over decades.

Tasting notes of the 1988 Mouton Rothschild

This wine's color is deep ruby red, with slight signs of aging on the rim. The nose reveals layers of blackcurrant, cedar, cigar box, leather, and a subtle spice. With time in the glass, notes of truffle, tobacco, and a hint of graphite unfold. The palate is powerful and structured, supported by persistent but now rounded tannins. The finish is long and complex, with a beautiful balance of fruit, tertiary aromas, and refined acidity.

As with all wines over 15 years old, it's exciting to see how the bottle has developed. Depending on the bottle's condition, this wine can still shine, or it can show signs of evolution that make it particularly interesting for the experienced connoisseur.

Value for the sommelier, collector and investor

For the sommelier, the 1988 Mouton Rothschild is a wine that adds unparalleled allure to the menu. It's a vintage that commands attention in many top restaurants and tells a story that lingers in the minds of diners. For the collector and investor, this wine is not only a status symbol but also a stable investment. Mouton Rothschild is among the most traded and sought-after wines on the global auction market.

Order from Grandcruwijnen

We offer Grand Cru wines directly from the producer's cellars, a selection of exclusive vintages, including this 1988 Mouton Rothschild. This guarantees you a wine matured under optimal conditions at a price rarely found elsewhere. This combines certainty, authenticity, and the pleasure of owning one of the world's greatest wines.

Dispatch

We include the wine with our regular orders (on average every two months), but you can also choose Express Delivery. In that case, we'll ship the wines directly, and it only takes 1-2 weeks.
IMPORTANT: Wines labelled Hidden Cellar must be ordered separately and cannot be combined with our 4,500 regular wines.