Château Mouton-Rothschild

Although its fame now rivals that of its iconic counterparts, Mouton-Rothschild is the only First Growth which was not classified as such in 1855. Instead, intensive lobbying from its powerful owners, the Rothschilds, finally saw its status as First Growth recognised in 1973, one of only two changes that have ever been made to the original classification (the other was made in 1856). It sits opposite Château Lafite in Pauillac, an estate it used to be part of until they were split in the 18th century. It was originally called Château Brane-Mouton, however Nathaniel de Rothschild changed it to its current iteration in 1853. Mouton is perhaps most famous for its artists’ labels which have been designed exclusively every vintage since the end of the Second World War. Works have come from Dalí, Cocteau, Picasso (who designed the 1973 label) and even Prince Charles. This visually iconic statement is unique to Mouton and is possibly as anticipated as the wine itself each vintage.