Le Petit Mouton de Mouton Rothschild 2023

This is a tighter and more compact Petit Mouton with a full-bodied, compact palate that is framed nicely by the tannins. Savory and juicy. Structured. Contained. 79% cabernet sauvignon, 12% merlot, 7% cabernet franc and 2% petit verdot. Better than 2022?

79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot. The 2023 Petit Mouton benefits from the Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot grapes that were not used in the blend of the Grand Vin. It is perhaps a little fresher than usual, but the roasted character with hints of coffee is there. I would add, however, that the fresh, fruity impact is clearly measurable! The wine has a certain agility, but also dimension. It benefits from the precious contribution of its fine-grained tannins, which give it strength, while the acidity underlines its freshness. A Petit Mouton that is smoother, more supple and more subtle, without losing any of its youthful, enthusiastic character. 2027-2043.

Black in colour. The nose is intense, clean, fruity, subtle and delicately toasted. Creamy when the glass is shaken. Very similar to its big brother. Meticulous on entry, fleshy in the middle, the wine develops more aromatically than usual and, above all, less harshly in the final part of the palate. In terms of style, it is very close to its older brother. Very good length. Composition: 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot. Alcohol content: 13°3 - pH: 3.74. Matured in 50% new barrels.

Aromas of dark berries, cassis and cigar wrapper introduce the 2023 Le Petit Mouton, a medium-bodied, fleshy wine with good depth and density, its lively core of fruit framed by sweet, powdery tannins, concluding with a penetrating finish. It's a blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. William Kelley