Mouton Cadet Red Bordeaux

Mouton Cadet Red Bordeaux is a Bordeaux AOC red blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc at approximately 13.5% ABV in a 750ml bottle. Produced by Baron Philippe de Rothschild — one of the most recognized names in French wine — this cuvée has earned a Sakura Awards Gold Medal and scored 90/100 for its 2023 vintage, reinforcing its standing as one of Bordeaux’s most widely distributed and consistently reliable labels.
Quick Facts: ABV: ~13.5%  |  Origin: Bordeaux, France  |  Bordeaux AOC Blend  |  Producer: Baron Philippe de Rothschild
Production & Heritage
Baron Philippe de Rothschild, headquartered in Pauillac in the Médoc, created Mouton Cadet in 1930 as a second wine but quickly expanded it into a standalone brand that now ranks among the world’s best-known Bordeaux labels. The red blend is assembled from grapes supplied by roughly 150 winegrowers spanning all Bordeaux appellations, drawing heavily on the Entre-Deux-Mers district. The final cuvée balances Merlot’s fruit-forward generosity with the structure of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, vinified and blended under the direction of the Rothschild winemaking team to deliver a consistent, accessible style vintage after vintage.
Tasting Notes
Aroma: The nose opens with ripe blackcurrant and wild strawberry before giving way to subtle cedar and sweet spice. Hints of mint and eucalyptus provide an aromatic lift beneath the fruit.
Taste: The entry is supple and balanced, with a burst of dark berry fruit — blueberry, plum, and blackcurrant — that carries across the mid-palate. Silky, moderately dense tannins build gently, framing the fruit without overpowering it, while complementary notes of sweet spice add complexity.
Finish: The finish is friendly and medium in length, leaving behind crunchy red fruit and a trace of soft cedar. A light, creamy texture lingers, keeping the wine approachable through the last sip.
How to Drink Mouton Cadet Red
Mouton Cadet Red drinks best at cellar temperature, around 16–18°C (61–64°F), poured into a standard Bordeaux glass that lets the fruit aromatics open up. A brief decant of 15–20 minutes can round out younger vintages. While traditionally a food wine, it also adapts well to cocktails: a Claret Cobbler highlights the berry fruit with citrus and sugar over crushed ice; a Bordeaux Spritz — red wine, sparkling water, and a dash of cassis — turns it into a refreshing warm-weather pour; and a classic Sangria takes advantage of its ripe, fruit-forward character and moderate tannin structure.
Best For
Introducing someone to classic Bordeaux without an intimidating price tag
Pairing with weeknight bistro-style dinners at home
Hosting a comparative Bordeaux tasting for friends
Gifting a reliable, internationally recognized French red
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Mouton Cadet Red taste like? It delivers ripe blackcurrant, plum, and wild strawberry supported by silky tannins and gentle sweet spice. The profile is fruit-forward, medium-bodied, and approachable with a smooth, friendly finish.
How does Mouton Cadet Red compare to Cadet d’Oc? Both are produced by Baron Philippe de Rothschild, but Mouton Cadet Red is an archetypal Bordeaux AOC blend sourced exclusively from Bordeaux appellations, while Cadet d’Oc draws from the Pays d’Oc IGP in southern France. Mouton Cadet generally shows more structured tannins and classic Bordeaux cedar character, whereas Cadet d’Oc tends toward a softer, more fruit-driven style.
Is Mouton Cadet Red good for beginners? Its supple tannins, generous fruit, and balanced acidity make it one of the most accessible entry points into Bordeaux red blends. Newcomers to French wine will find it easy to enjoy without any special decanting ritual.
Where is Mouton Cadet Red made? It is produced by Baron Philippe de Rothschild, based in Pauillac in Bordeaux’s Médoc region, using grapes sourced from approximately 150 winegrowers across all Bordeaux appellations, with significant sourcing from the Entre-Deux-Mers district.
What foods pair well with Mouton Cadet Red? Grilled lamb chops complement its cedar and spice notes; roast chicken with herbs echoes its aromatic complexity; aged Comté or Gruyère match the wine’s moderate tannin grip; charcuterie boards play off the ripe berry fruit; and mushroom risotto mirrors its earthy undertones.
What sizes does Mouton Cadet Red come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle, though larger-format bottles such as magnums (1.5L) are also produced for select vintages.
Is Mouton Cadet Red worth the price? Mouton Cadet Red positions firmly in the entry-level Bordeaux tier, delivering consistent quality and the pedigree of the Rothschild name at a price point well below classified-growth Bordeaux, making it strong value within the category.
Why Mouton Cadet Red?
Few Bordeaux labels carry the same global name recognition while remaining genuinely accessible. Backed by the Baron Philippe de Rothschild estate — a family synonymous with Pauillac First Growth winemaking — the blend draws on fruit from 150 growers across every corner of the Bordeaux appellation to achieve a remarkably consistent house style. A Sakura Awards Gold Medal and a 90-point score for the 2023 vintage confirm that the wine continues to deliver above its weight class. For anyone looking for an honest, well-made Bordeaux red that stands up to food and invites repeat buying, Mouton Cadet remains a benchmark at its price tier.