2008 remains in the memory as a year of particularly changeable weather. Mouton`s vineyard was harvested between October 2-15. Made from low yields of 34 hectoliters per hectare, it achieved a natural alcohol content of 13.2%, one of the highest ever for the estate. Made from 54% of the production, the 2008 Mouton Rothchild`s final blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon and 17% Merlot has resulted in an atypically sweeter, more direct and opulent, fleshy Mouton. 

This 2008 vintage bottling features artwork by Xu Lei, a Chinese Modern and Contemporary artist, who lets his paintings not only speak for themselves, but also think by themselves. 

Château Mouton-Rothschild’s exceptionally fine wine comes from the best vines on the ‘Plateau de Mouton’ that makes up 90 hectares of the property. In these vineyards, the roots push deep into gravelly soil. Since we’re in Pauillac, Cabernet Sauvignon is the grape that dominates the blend. Depending on the vintage, this can be up to 80%, and is completed by Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The grapes are picked by hand and, once destemmed, are put into vats. Each vat is a different size, and this corresponds to the Château’s different parcels. The wine is matured for around 20 months in the Médoc tradition, meaning in totally new casks, topped up and clarified using egg whites. This method stabilises the wine by taking the solid particles to the bottom of the cask. Most of the vintages offer opulence, richness and depth, enriched by a remarkable aromatic complexity that ranges from blackcurrants to roasted coffee, mint and delicate leather. One of Château Mouton-Rothschild’s specialities is its choice of a new artist every year for the creation of its label: some highlights have been Chagall, Braque, Picasso, Dali and Francis Bacon.

Château Mouton-Rothschild, which encompases 90 hectares (222 acres) in Pauillac was elevated from a 'Second-Growth' to a 'First-Growth in 1973—the only time in the history of the 1855 Classification that a winery's classified position was re-evaluated.