The Wine Advocate | RP 96
Published: Jun 12, 2017

Tasted at the Mouton-Rothschild vertical in London, the 2006 Mouton-Rothschild was really the wine that put winemaker Philippe Dhalluin on the map, in the sense that unlike the 2005 born in a great vintage, this 2006 had to transcend it. It remains one of the standouts of the growing season and actually replicates previous showings just the week earlier and in January. As expected, the nose has quite brilliant delineation with blackberry, graphite, here an almost cold slate-like scent. The palate is harmonious with the carefully judged acidity, fine-grain tannin and immense detail on the finish. Recent bottles suggest that it may close up for several years, in which case, either enjoy this in the next few months or cellar this for a few years and receive vinous dividends down the line. Tasted May 2016. 
Drink Date 2023 - 2055

Jamessuckling.com | JS 95
Published: Nov 17, 2015

This is an eye-opener with a tight core of complex fruit character as well as subtle chocolate and spices. Full body, firm tannins and a classy finish. Holding back. Much better than expected. A vintage forgotten. Better in 2018. 

Chateau-mouton-rothschild.com

Harvest:20 September to 5 October
Varietal mix: Cabernet Sauvignon 87%, Merlot 13%

Tasting notes: The wine is an attractive, intense and dark cherry red. With Cabernet Sauvignon predominant, the blend of Chateau Mouton Rothschild 2006 expresses a complex and intense array of aromas, combining fruit (bilberry) and milky notes with the toasted aromas (blond tobacco, incense, toasted hazelnut) of judicious oak. The precise and harmonious attack is prolonged by fresh and crisp, richly flavoured tannins, while the palate is full, creamy and powerful. Chateau Mouton Rothschild 2006 is in the line of the great classics produced by the estate.1922

Climatic conditions: 2006 was a year of surprises, marked by unusual conditions that will remain in the memory. Generally speaking the weather was hot and dry, with much higher temperatures than the seasonal average in June, July and September. Such untypical conditions at key times during the vine growth cycle had a far-reaching and beneficial effect on the future quality of the crop. Heavy rain at the end of the winter was followed by a long spell of warm and dry weather in April, May and June, enabling the vegetation cycle to catch up after a relatively late start. Flowering took place early and evenly, starting in late May. Veraison likewise began very early, mid-veraison occurring four days ahead of the average, though very hot weather in the second half of July slowed the process. A total of 459 mm of rain fell between 1 January and 31 August 2006, compared with an average of 517 mm. The grapes started to ripen slowly in the cooler temperatures of August but subsequently accelerated in the exceptional conditions of the first half of September, with heatwave temperatures in the early part of the month. A period of high temperatures and humidity soon brought the Merlots to maturity and picking began on 20 September. The harvest lasted until 5 October in variable weather conditions, producing a crop of fully mature grapes in excellent condition.
Illustration of the Label: Lucian Freud (1922-2011)