| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Left Bank > Pauillac |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
Lots of violets, blackberries, bark and iodine. Oyster shell. Full-bodied. Firm and velvety tannins with a long and satisfying finish. Juicy and reserved at the end. Chewy and soft. Needs time to open. First growth. 72% cabernet sauvignon, 24% merlot and 4% cabernet franc. Drink after 2030.
The 2020 Le Petit Mouton benefits from the fact that the grand vin this year derives almost exclusively from the estate's core gravel terraces, meaning that many parcels that were included in, for example, the 2018 Mouton ended up in the Petit Mouton in 2020. Offering up aromas of cassis, cigar wrapper and violets, it's medium to full-bodied, fleshy and enveloping, with a broad attack and a layered, concentrated mid-palate.
The 2020 Le Petit Mouton has a seductive bouquet with a mixture of red and black fruit, cedar and pencil lead, seeming to gain precision in the glass—very classic in style. The palate is medium-bodied with a sweet core of cassis and blackberry fruit, very composed and very pure. A cashmere-textured finish fans out gloriously. This is a seriously fine Pauillac for long-term cellaring (written before its identity was revealed). Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting. 2032 - 2065
The 2020 Le Petit Mouton de Mouton Rothschild is a blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, and 4% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-purple colored, it rolls effortlessly out of the glass with gregarious notions of blackberry pie, redcurrant jelly, and garrigue, plus nuances of crushed rocks, tar, and dried Provence herbs. The medium-bodied palate reveals very fine-grained tannins and plenty of freshness to back up the delicate red and black fruits, finishing on an earthy note.
This delivers the expected glamour of Petit Mouton, although more reserved than in vintages such as 2015 or 2018. It retains a silk and satin touch to the tannins, and a ton of black cherry puree, spiced cocoa bean, coffee, liqourice root and campfire smoke. Deep, rich and enticing, the tannins are ripe but they have intent - this is a Petit Mouton to age. Think 8 to 10 years minimum. 50% new oak. Harvest September 7 to 24.
The 2020 Le Petit Mouton has less than 13% alcohol. It has an intense bouquet with black fruit, freshly-tilled loam, light estuarine scents and a touch of pressed violets. Very delineated and focused. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, wonderful acidity and tension, very focused and mineral-driven towards the finish that is persistent. Graphite notes linger on the aftertaste. Superb.
The 2020 Le Petit Mouton, which contains a relatively higher level of Cabernet Sauvignon this year, represents 36% of the total production. It has a wonderful, entrancing bouquet, a mixture of red and black fruit, freshly tilled soil, cedar and emerging floral scents of iris petal and incense. I love the energy on this not so "petit" Mouton. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grained tannins and perfectly judged acidity, harmonious and poised with superb mineralité and tension toward the finish. So sophisticated. This is (yet another) great Le Petit Mouton. Drink: 2025 - 2045
