1945 Château Mouton in Pauillac

1945 Château Mouton Rothschild: the cork was quite firm but broke into two parts.  It has lots of deposit necessitating decanting just before pouring.  The colour is still a rich dark red; expressing a  rich cassis bouquet with blackcurrants, ripe blackberries and a pleasant sweetness.  On the palate there were hints of violet, milk chocolate and cedar wood; it is starting to fade but still has elegant intensity with a finish of 40 seconds. The balance of fruit and tannin is smooth perfection, with still sufficient structure and texture to hold it all together very well.  One of the most perfectly balanced wines we ever tasted, which is a bit past its peak now.  April 2019.  4.75/5; clearly it was 5/5 at its peak.