By Ronald Rens, M. Sc., Wine Master, President of The Bordeaux Wine Experience, the leading Bordeaux Wine Tour company

Mouton Rothschild label for the vintage 2007

A little history lesson
For every vintage since 1945 a famous artist has created an original artwork for the Chateau Mouton Rothschild label. In 1924, to commemorate the first vintage entirely bottled at the chateau, Baron Philippe de Rothschild asked Jean Calu to create the Mouton label for him.
In 1945, to celebrate the end of the Second World War, the Baron decided to crown the label for the vintage with the “V” for Victory (drawn by Philippe Jullian). The bottles of this spectacular vintage remain collector’s items to this very day. Even the empty bottles are highly sought after. Artist have include over the years names like: Cocteau, Braque, Dali, César, Miró, Chagall, Picasso, Warhol, Balthus, Appel and so many others.
Since the 1980’s it is Baroness Philippine de Rothschild, the current owner of this First Growth from Pauillac, who chooses the artist.

A french sculptor for the 2007 label
For the 2007 vintage it was the French sculptor and graphic artist Bernar Venet (1941) who was given this commission for the label.
Venet is known for his steel “lines”, which combine the strict geometry of straight lines and curves with random coils. His creations are found in the United States, Germany, Japan and in France.
Artists have their artistic freedom while creating the label. But most artist are attracted by themes like the vine, the pleasure of drinking or the Mouton Rothschild ram.
Bernar Venet created for Mouton arcs suggesting the swell of a barrel. The arcs look like chalices rooted in the earth. They seem to open like the vines, to the precious gifts from above…

(A bit fuzzy for me, I just like the wine… Cheers!)

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