After the challenges of the 1972, 1973, and 1974 vintages, Bordeaux needed a good year to restore morale (and finances). The 1975 vintage was just what was needed – a reasonable quantity and a high quality.

Mouton Rothschild, though, was consistent in how much wine it produced in the early 1970s: 235,137 bottles in 1972; 237,500 in 1974; and 241,000 in 1975. It didn’t declare how many bottles in 1973.

Priced at about 50 francs per bottle when released, the 1975 Mouton – with its red-blooded tannins – is probably the best Bordeaux red wine of 1975 (with the possible exception of Petrus).

For the 1975 Mouton Rothschild label, Andy Warhol did several studies of Mouton’s owner Baron Philippe de Rothschild, who looks suitable pleased with himself after Mouton had gained promotion to “Premier Cru” status in 1973.