Unique among the First Growths of Bordeaux in that the wine was elevated to its current classification only in 1973, after the successful lobbying of Baron Philippe de Rothschild. The wine is the most opulent and approachable of the top growths, full of dark cassis and cigar box aromas, supported by powerful, supple tannin. Stunning wine was produced in 1982 and 86 but there was some loss of form in the late 80s and early 90s. However,from 1996onwards, all have been back among the very best. Overall quality continues to improve, particularly since the complete renovation of the cellars in 2013. The second wine is Le Petit Mouton, and a small amount of a premium white Aile d’Argent is also produced. There is a sizeable merchant business producing a range of pretty ordinary generic AC labels along with the dreary Mouton Cadet. Of greater interest are the two premium partnerships of OPUS ONE with the MONDAVI winery in California, now owned by Constellation and ALMAVIVA with CONCHA Y TORO in Chile. (DM)
