The Art of Château Mouton Rothschild
The intersection of fine wine and high art finds its most prominent expression in the bottles of Château Mouton Rothschild. This renowned Bordeaux estate has transformed the concept of wine labels, elevating them from mere identifiers to coveted works of art. The tradition, born from the innovative spirit of one man, has become a hallmark of the brand and a significant contribution to both the wine and art worlds.
The genesis of this unique practice dates back to 1924 when Baron Philippe de Rothschild assumed control of the family estate. A visionary in the wine industry, Baron Philippe introduced the concept of château bottling, becoming the first Bordeaux winemaker to bottle the entire harvest at the estate. This move, revolutionary at the time, was merely the prelude to an even more innovative idea that would redefine the aesthetics of wine presentation.
The pivotal moment arrived in 1945, as the world emerged from the shadows of World War II. To commemorate this historic year, Baron Philippe commissioned young, rising artist Philippe Jullian to design a label for that year's vintage. This decision marked the beginning of a tradition that continues to this day: each year's label featuring an original artwork by a contemporary artist. Far from being a mere marketing ploy, this practice represents a genuine merger of oenological and artistic excellence.
The 1945 vintage pays homage to Churchill’s "V” for Victory.” Represented by a young branch bursting with leaves, it is not only historically significant but also widely regarded as one of the finest wines of the 20th century. Its value in the collector's market reflects this status; in 2007, a single bottle became the 4th most expensive ever sold at auction, underscoring the exceptional nature of both the wine and its artistic presentation.
The year 1958 saw the involvement of Salvador Dalí, one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. Dalí's contribution, a whimsical sketch of a ram—a playful reference to the Mouton name, which translates to "sheep" in French—exemplifies the caliber of artists involved in this project. The surrealist master's distinctive style is unmistakable in the label, with the ram rendered in his characteristic fluid, dreamlike manner. Dalí's ram seems to emerge from a swirling, abstract background, its horns elongated and curled in an exaggerated fashion that is quintessentially Dalínian. This collaboration not only elevated the artistic prestige of Mouton Rothschild but also represented a significant moment in the intersection of fine art and wine.
The 1959 vintage of Château Mouton Rothschild stands as a testament to both vinicultural excellence and artistic innovation. This year is widely regarded as legendary in the wine world, producing an exceptional Bordeaux that has stood the test of time. For the label, Baron Philippe de Rothschild commissioned Richard Lippold, an American sculptor renowned for his groundbreaking work with wire as a medium. Lippold's contribution to the label was a striking design that captured the essence of his sculptural style, translating his three-dimensional artistry into a two-dimensional format. The marriage of this avant-garde artistic approach with a wine of such remarkable quality created a bottle that is highly prized by both wine connoisseurs and art collectors.
The 1973 vintage of Château Mouton Rothschild marked a confluence of significant events. In honor of Pablo Picasso, who passed away that year, the château chose to adorn its label with one of the artist's watercolor paintings from 1959. Picasso's widow was given the privilege of selecting the artwork, ensuring a fitting tribute to the legendary artist. Coincidentally, 1973 also heralded a momentous achievement for Château Mouton Rothschild, as it was elevated to the prestigious status of "Premier Cru" (First Growth). This dual celebration - commemorating a master artist and achieving a long-sought classification - made the 1973 vintage a true milestone in the illustrious history of Mouton Rothschild, embodying both artistic legacy and viticultural excellence.
Andy Warhol's artistic approach was a sharp critique of consumer society, using its own iconic symbols against it. He transformed everyday products and celebrity images into hollow representations on canvas, turning even famous faces into commodities. This satirical stance extended to Warhol himself, with his studio ironically dubbed "The Factory" becoming a deliberate antithesis to mainstream American values. Surrounded by an eclectic entourage, Warhol, with his distinctive appearance, became a living artwork. For the 1975 Mouton Rothschild label, Warhol applied his signature style, working from photographs to create a semi-serious composition. The label features multiple studies of Baron Philippe de Rothschild juxtaposed against each other, demonstrating Warhol's ability to blend his pop art sensibilities with the gravitas of the wine's heritage, while subtly commenting on the commodification of luxury and personality.
The 1993 vintage brought an element of controversy to the Mouton Rothschild label. The chosen artist, Balthus (Balthasar Klossowski de Rola), created a sketch of a nude young girl for the label. While artistically significant, the image proved too provocative for the U.S. market, leading to an intriguing solution: Mouton Rothschild released bottles with blank labels in the United States. This unique circumstance has made both versions highly sought after by collectors, with the original Balthus label bottles commanding prices much higher than its retail price.
The design featured two distinct elements: a golden ram from a 16th-century German gold and silver drinking vessel, created by an unknown artist, complemented by a modern border design by Canadian artist J.P. Riopelle. This juxtaposition of classical and contemporary art perfectly encapsulated the transition into a new era. The wine itself lived up to the significance of the year, being considered one of the finest vintages of the decade. These bottles are highly sought out by collectors, a testament to the enduring value of this confluence of exceptional wine and art.
Château Mouton Rothschild 2003 commemorates the 150th anniversary of the estate's acquisition by the Rothschild family. Breaking from tradition, Baroness Philippine de Rothschild chose to dedicate the entire label to her direct ancestor, Baron Nathaniel de Rothschild, who purchased the Mouton estate on May 11, 1853. The label features a period photograph of Baron Nathaniel set against a background showing part of the original deed of sale. This carefully preserved document, housed in the Mouton archives, marks the beginning of a five-generation legacy and an enduring love affair between the Rothschilds and the great wines of Bordeaux.
To mark this historic occasion, Baroness Philippine de Rothschild commissioned His Majesty King Charles III, then known as HRH The Prince of Wales, a direct descendant of King Edward VII and an accomplished artist, to create the label artwork. The King’s contribution, a watercolor depicting pine trees against an azure sky, serves as a poignant metaphor for the vine, symbolizing the fruitful union of sun and earth in winemaking.This choice of artist and subject matter elevates the 2004 vintage beyond mere aesthetics, interweaving history, diplomacy, and artistic expression. The King’s personal inscription, "To celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Entente Cordiale - Charles, 2004," further enhances the bottle's historical significance. While not as heralded as some of its predecessors, the 2004 vintage has aged gracefully, appreciated for its elegance and balance.
David Hockney, the renowned British artist, shared a close personal friendship with Baroness Philippine de Rothschild, who passed away in 2014. His poignant drawing serves as a heartfelt tribute to her memory and legacy. The artwork, charged with vibrant lines of force, conveys both profound emotion and a sense of wonder. Two glasses - one empty, the other full - symbolize the journey from anticipation to fulfillment, telling the story of burning expectation and the perpetually renewed miracle of great wine's birth. This visual narrative perfectly encapsulates the essence of Château Mouton Rothschild, the legendary Bordeaux estate over which Baroness Philippine presided as the steering spirit for decades.
The passing of Baroness Philippine de Rothschild marked the end of an era in the wine world. Her unique blend of aristocratic heritage, business acumen, and artistic sensibility had transformed Château Mouton Rothschild into more than just a wine estate - it became a cultural icon. The 2014 vintage of Château Mouton Rothschild stands as a celebration of the Baroness's myriad achievements, encapsulating her legacy in liquid form, and promises to be savored by wine enthusiasts for the next four decades, serving as a testament to her enduring influence on the world of fine wine.
The 2015 vintage label of Château Mouton Rothschild heralds a new era, following the passing of Baroness Philippine de Rothschild in 2014. This transition is represented by her successors: Camille, Philippe, and Julien de Rothschild, with Philippe's signature gracing the label on behalf of the family. For this pivotal vintage, renowned German artist Gerhard Richter was commissioned to create the illustration. Richter, known for his innovative techniques bridging painting and photography, employed his unique "Flux" process, capturing the dynamic movement of colors in a carefully timed photograph - a method that parallels the artful blending of a great wine.
Importantly, the label retains Mouton's enduring motto, "Mouton ne change" ("I, Mouton, do not change"), which takes on special significance as the first vintage produced without Baroness Philippine. This phrase reassures connoisseurs that despite the change in leadership, Mouton's commitment to excellence remains unwavering. The juxtaposition of Richter's contemporary art with this traditional motto elegantly symbolizes Château Mouton Rothschild's ability to honor its rich heritage while embracing the future under its new stewardship.
The 2016 vintage of Château Mouton Rothschild is celebrated with artwork by William Kentridge, the first internationally acclaimed African artist to design a Mouton label. Born in Johannesburg in 1955, Kentridge is known for his "political art" that blends humor and poetry, exhibited in top galleries worldwide.
Kentridge's label, "The Triumph of Bacchus," features silhouettes in a joyful procession inspired by Bacchic figures from masters like Titian and Matisse. This artwork underscores that great wine, while pleasurable, is part of a cultural tradition demanding respect and moderation - especially true for Château Mouton Rothschild 2016.
Xu Bing, a renowned Chinese artist and writer, created the label for Château Mouton Rothschild's celebrated 2018 vintage. His artwork showcases his signature Square Word Calligraphy, a unique script that merges Western and Eastern writing systems.
The 2018 label features the words "Mouton Rothschild" written in Xu's innovative style. At first glance, the characters resemble traditional Chinese calligraphy, but they're actually composed of Latin alphabet letters. This clever fusion of cultures reflects Xu's exploration of language and the deceptive nature of appearances, while paying homage to the wine's prestigious heritage.
Peter Doig, a British painter of Scottish origin who divides his time between London and Trinidad, was chosen by Château Mouton Rothschild to create the original artwork for the label of its renowned 2020 vintage. In this work, Doig merges echoes of Cézanne and van Gogh with a personal reverie on the nocturnal birth of a great wine, brought to life by the enchanting magic of a song played on the guitar. The painting is a dreamscape that celebrates the grape-growing and harvesting process, featuring workers in the vineyard. Doig sought to connect with artists like Millet, van Gogh, and Bacon, who had depicted vineyard or farm workers, while also drawing personal inspiration from his Trinidadian friend Embah (Emheyo Bhabba), who shared his music and poetry during one of Doig's exhibitions in Paris.
In reflecting on his piece, Doig describes it as revealing what happens behind the scenes in wine production, portraying the offstage aspects of the process. He considers it an ode to the workers involved in the various stages of making wine before it is finally bottled. The painting embodies a romantic and poetic moment, capturing the space between day and night, and suggesting a dream-like journey through the harvest. Doig's work is meant to evoke a sense of time and reverie, akin to a spontaneous song sung among the vines.
For the 2022 vintage, Château Mouton Rothschild continues its tradition of pairing fine wine with contemporary art. This year’s label features a work by French painter Gérard Garouste, known for his imaginative, symbolic style inspired by mythology and literature. His vibrant and enigmatic design reflects the wine’s bold character, shaped by an exceptionally hot and dry growing season that produced a powerful yet refined expression of Mouton Rothschild. Once again, the château demonstrates that great wine and great art go hand in hand.
The continued success of Château Mouton Rothschild's artistic collaborations speaks to the enduring appeal of this unique tradition. Each year's label not only serves as a visual representation of the vintage but also as a snapshot of contemporary art at that moment in time. This practice has transformed the bottles into more than mere vessels for wine; they have become collectible art objects in their own right.
The value of these wines in the secondary market reflects both their quality as vintages and their artistic significance. Prices for older vintages, particularly those featuring work by renowned artists, have seen substantial appreciation over time. This dual appeal to wine connoisseurs and art collectors has positioned Château Mouton Rothschild bottles as some of the most sought-after in the world of fine wine.
The artistic legacy of Château Mouton Rothschild extends beyond the labels themselves. The estate houses a Museum of Wine in Art, featuring a collection of objects and artworks related to wine from antiquity to the present day. This museum, along with the labeled bottles, forms a comprehensive narrative of the intertwining of wine and art throughout history.
Château Mouton Rothschild represents a unique convergence of viticulture and visual arts. What began as an innovative marketing concept by Baron Philippe de Rothschild has evolved into a respected artistic tradition spanning nearly eight decades. Each vintage tells a story not just of the wine it contains, but of the artistic and cultural milieu of its time.
This tradition has elevated the status of Château Mouton Rothschild beyond that of a premier cru classé Bordeaux estate. It has become a patron of the arts, a curator of contemporary artistic expression, and a producer of objects that are as much prized for their aesthetic value as for their contents. The marriage of fine wine and high art embodied by Château Mouton Rothschild continues to captivate oenophiles, art enthusiasts, and collectors alike, ensuring its place as a unique and enduring icon in both the wine and art worlds.
