Like a gift from the heavens! Brand new into the shop and one of the oldest bottles we've ever had. I think most people can say they've heard of this one...

The Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855 was based entirely on recent market prices for a vineyard's wines, with one exception: Château Mouton Rothschild. Despite the market prices for their vineyard's wines equalling that of Château Lafite Rothschild, Château Mouton Rothschild was excluded from First Great Growth status, an act that Baron Philippe de Rothschild referred to as "the monstrous injustice".[citation needed] It is widely believed[weasel words] that the exception was made because the vineyard had recently been purchased by an Englishman and was no longer in French ownership.

In 1973, Mouton was elevated to "first growth" status after decades of intense lobbying by its powerful and influential owner, the only change in the original 1855 classification (excepting the 1856 addition of Château Cantemerle). This prompted a change of motto: previously, the motto of the wine was Premier ne puis, second ne daigne, Mouton suis. ("First, I cannot be. Second, I do not deign to be. Mouton I am."), and it was changed to Premier je suis, Second je fus, Mouton ne change. ("First, I am. Second, I used to be. Mouton does not change.")

Chateau Mouton Rothschild 1978 @ £150 - Buy it here!

A deep garnet core with tawny rim. The bouquet displays good intensity, cohesive, earthy, leathery but well defined and gaining potency. The palate is medium-bodied with some attractive decayed black cedar-infused leafy fruit with tobacco and a touch of graphite. Good persistency towards the slightly bitter finish with touches of soy and pain grille.

Only 3 bottles of this hanging around and there won't be anymore! Cheers!