Chateau Mouton Rothschild is famously the only estate that has ever been promoted in the otherwise set-in-stone 1855 Classification (unless you count Cantemerle being added in 1856 as it was left out due to oversight), going from 2nd to 1st Growth in 1973 after heavy lobbying by the influential Baron Philippe de Rothschild. It’s known to produce some of the most powerful wines in Bordeaux, although whether it always truly performs as a 1st Growth is subject to debate.

Since the end of World War II, Mouton Rothschild has commissioned a different artist to make their label each year, giving this historic estate an always fresh look. There have been several celebrated labels, including Phillipe Jullian’s “The Year of Victory” in 1945 and Pablo Picasso’s 1973 label (the year Mouton got promoted). This 1993, however, may be perhaps its most infamous one — Balthus’s drawing featured a naked young girl, so the design was banned in the USA and this blank label was featured instead.

The 1993 Mouton is a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, and 7% Cabernet Franc, and comes in at a nowadays almost *dainty* 12.5% ABV.

**Tasting Notes:** Deep ruby color with a garnet rim. Pronounced nose of cassis, black cherry, pencil shavings, cigar box, and leather. Medium-bodied with medium+ tannins and acidity, and flavors that match the nose but also with a bit of spice. Long, smoky and earthy finish. Fantastic, haunting wine that should be drunk now — I think it’ll stay in a good spot for a few years but I honestly don’t think it’ll improve further.