Mouton Cadet owes its reputation to the passion and enthusiasm of the Rothschild family. They have cultivated a legacy of winemaking over three generations. This review is a side-by-side tasting of two Mouton Cadet wines: the Mouton Cadet Classic Rouge 2021 and the Mouton Cadet Cuvée Heritage 2019.
The Mouton Cadet Classic Rouge 2021, made by winemaker Jean-Pierre Charrut, is predominantly Merlot with a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, with an ABV of 12.5%. Visually, this wine presents a slightly browner hue than one might expect for its age. On the nose, it reveals a slight leather aroma. On the palate, the Classic Rouge is light to medium-bodied with light red cherry fruit and delivering a crisp finish.
In contrast, the Mouton Cadet Cuvée Heritage 2019, created by winemaker brothers Thibaud and Guillaume Secret at Civrac-en-Médoc, is a deeper, more robust wine. With an ABV of 14% and having a maturation period of 16 months, including 8-10 months in oak, this blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon stands out with its darker colour and fuller mouthfeel. Aromatically, the Cuvée Heritage presents a slight treacle nose, evolving to reveal black cherry and vanilla flavours on the palate. This medium to full-bodied wine has well-balanced tannins, offering a round and satisfying drinking experience. Notably, it opened up more after about twenty minutes, releasing richer aromas. It’s perfectly accessible now without the need for aging.
The Classic Rouge, with its lighter, crisp profile, is more for casual drinking, while the Cuvée Heritage offers a richer, more contemplative experience. The Classic Rouge is £9.95 and Cadet Cuvee Heritage is £16.95 from Slurp.
