2024 Le Petit Mouton de Mouton Rothschild, Pauillac

Excellent depth. Though there is not much density, this exhibits outstanding cabernet character with paprika, tapenade, dark tobacco and black fruit. Medium- to full-bodied with fine-etched tannins. Great poise and elegance. Light on its feet but doesn’t need any more richness. 67% cabernet sauvignon, 26% merlot, 5% cabernet franc and 2% petit verdot.

Here you get that sexy Petit Mouton kick, defined by Cabernet, less exuberant profile than in recent years and yet great texture and lift, supple blackberry fruits, cocoa bean lacing. Very much succeeding in the vintage without compromising the heart of the estate signature. Jean-Emmanuel Danjoy director. Harvest 23 September to 5 October. 3.62 pH. 50% new oak.

Ripe blackcurrants, scorched earth, graphite, and spicy notes all define the 2024 Le Petit Mouton De Mouton Rothschild. Medium-bodied on the palate, it has remarkable purity, fine tannins, and a great finish. It's a charming, layered, certainly outstanding, Pauillac in the making.

Chocolate dusted currants, flowers, black currants, and crème de cassis form the nose. Medium-bodied, vibrant, lifted, and juicy, the red fruits are vivid and sweet, with a crunchy quality to the berries that resonates in the finish. The wine blends 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot.13% ABV. Drink from 2028-2044.

The 2023 Le Petit-Mouton is being matured in 50% new oak for a planned 18 months. It has an attractive, understated bouquet with pencil shavings and cedar-tinged black fruit—not as complex as the 2022, but refined. Two weeks later the nose demonstrates just a soupçon more éclat [brightness]. The palate is medium-bodied and harmonious with crisp acidity on the entry, dashes of spice and black pepper on the back-palate and moderate length on the linear finish. Give this three or four years in bottle.

The 2024 Le Petit Mouton offers up aromas of crème de cassis and toasty new oak, followed by a medium to full-bodied, taut and chunky palate built around tangy acids and chalky tannins.

67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot. 33.5% of the production. Cask sample. Expressive nose with blueberry and toasted notes. Lovely fruit on the palate. Fresh and zesty as well but not aggressive. Tender tannins. A certain charm. (JL)