"Mouton Rothschild was always a First Growth Bordeaux wine property in the eyes of the Baron. However, it was considered a Second Growth when the Classification took place in 1855. After existing for over 100 years without a single change, nobody believed the Classification would ever change.

That is nobody except the Baron. He became the only person to succeed in changing the 1855 classification: Château Mouton Rothschild became officially a “Premier Cru Classé” (First Classified Growth).

The 75 hectare vineyard of Chateau Mouton Rothschild is planted to 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. This shows a slight change in the vineyard since the mid 1990’s marked by a slight reduction in the Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, along with an increase in the Merlot.

The Mouton Rothschild vineyard is old, with vines averaging 50 years of age. However, they have old vines. Some parcels have vines that were planted more than 100 years ago! The oldest vines were cultivated in 1890."
(Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Inside, June 2016)