Petit Mouton - Pauillac 2021

matthewjukes.com

18 / 20

byMatthew Jukesthe8/2/2022

Le Petit Mouton is much more tense and closed than I expected, and there is firm fruit and considerable power here, too. There are genuine drying tannins on the finish, and this suggests that it is designed to age. Some of the old Cabernet Sauvignon blocks in the heart of the plateau didn’t make it into Mouton in 2021 and so they were gratefully received by Le Petit Mouton. This has changed the flavour profile accordingly, and I cannot emphasise just how much this is true connoisseurs’ LPM. This is a commanding, twenty-year-plus wine and one that is an amazing hidden gem in this vintage. 18+

Jamessuckling.com

93-94 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe6/8/2022

A well-framed Petit Mouton with a tight core of black fruit and bitter-chocolate and graphite notes. Firm, fine-tannin structure. Mineral and classic with a classy finish. Punchy. 77% cabernet sauvignon, 19.5% merlot, 3% cabernet franc and 0.5% petit verdot.

Jeb DUNNUCK

91-93 / 100

byJeb Dunnuckthe6/2/2022

The second wine of this great estate, the 2021 Le Petit Mouton De Mouton Rothschild checks in as 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19.5% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, brought up in 50% new barrels. It has plenty of class and charm, with pure Cabernet notes of cassis, graphite, tobacco, and damp earth. These carry to a medium-bodied, balanced, elegant, seamless wine with fine tannins, integrated oak, and a great finish.

The Vintage Journal

91-92 / 100

byAndrew Caillard MWthe5/17/2022

Medium-deep colour. Dark plum, blackcurrant leafy herb aromas. Supple and slinky textured with plentiful redcurrant, raspberry cassis fruits, fine lacy firm tannins and savoury oak notes before building up leafy at the finish. Some campari/ chinotto notes. Gentle loose-knit wine but lacking some power and density. 77% cabernet sauvignon, 19.5% merlot, 3% cabernet franc, 0.5% petit verdot.

The Wine Cellar Insider

92-94 / 100

byJeff Levethe5/16/2022

Cigar box, tobacco leaf, smoke, cedar, wet earth and dark red fruits come through in the nose. On the palate, the wine offers supple, polished, fresh, sweet, dark red berries. The fruit in the end is equally vibrant and sweet. The wine blends 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19.5% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and a dollop of Petit Verdot to spice things up. 13% ABV. Drink from 2024-2045. 92-94

Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux

92 / 100

byJane Ansonthe5/13/2022

Vinous

90-92 / 100

byNeal Martinthe5/12/2022

Representing 40% of the total volume, a little more than usual, the 2021 Le Petit-Mouton, is aged in 50% new oak. A very Cabernet nose with conspicuous graphite scents infusing the black fruit, a little Earl Grey in the background. The palate is medium-bodied with a fleshy opening, not amazingly complex but well balanced with fine tannins and just a pinch of black pepper on the finish. Classic in style, it should give 15-20 years of drinking pleasure.

Vinous

91-93 / 100

byAntonio Gallonithe5/11/2022

The 2021 Le Petit-Mouton is a powerful wine, but not quite the charmer it can be. There's good fruit density, but the tannins are a bit severe. I imagine at least some of that is attributable to the relatively high percentage of Cabernet in the blend. Overall, the 2021 comes across as a bit severe, though.

vvwine

91-93 / 100

byAdrian Van Velsenthe5/10/2022

Intensives Rubinrot. Reine Nase, noch etwas vom Barrique geprägt, reife Kirschen, Johannisbeeren, Kräuter, dazu Brombeeren, sehr schöne Frucht. Im Gaumen mit ordentlich Kraft, die auf den Punkt gereifte Frucht, wird von feinkörnigen Gerbstoffen getragen, leicht cremige Textur, die Säure ist perfekt dosiert, das Holz im Gaumen kaum spürbar, der Wein hat eine sehr gute Balance und ein nicht zu unterschätzendes Lagerpotential. 2025-2040 (Verkostet im April 2022. Château Mouton Rothschild)

Anthocyanes

92-94 / 100

byYohan Castaingthe5/6/2022

Assemblages réalisés. Nez de fruits noirs, de fruits frais, de cerise noire, de violette, de cassis et de mure pour un Petit Mouton moins marqué par le bois Magnifique nez ! Bouche veloutée, texture charnue, des tanins ciselés et fins, un grain magnifique pour un vin qui s'allonge en bouche vers une finale aérienne et fraiche. A la fois charmeur et très droit dans sa fraicheur. Magnifique. Un très grand Petit Mouton. 92-94+

Wine Advocate

89-91 / 100

byWilliam Kelleythe4/29/2022

Since Mouton-Rothschild itself this year derives exclusively from the two plateaus that always make up the core of the blend, the 2021 Le Petit Mouton benefits from the inclusion of parcels that often make it into the grand vin. Exhibiting aromas of crème de cassis, mint, cigar wrapper, violets and espresso roast, it's medium to full-bodied, deep and fleshy, with a rich core of fruit, powdery tannins, succulent acids and a persistent finish. Characterful and beautifully made, I wonder if I'm being a little severe with my score?

Decanter.com

92 / 100

byGeorgina Hindlethe4/1/2022

Beautifully fragrant strawberries and red cherries, just so perfumed and appealing, really a very lovely nose drawing you in. An excellent Petit Mouton in 2021; serious intensity here but also such a liveliness as well as creaminess. It has weight and layers while having fruit intensity and a core of aromatics. There's a softness and delicacy in terms of the tannins and frame - beguiling - but a real base of concentrated blue, red and black fruits - strawberries, red cherries and blackcurrants. You get the stony tones and the clove on the finish but this feels round, expansive and approachable. It's uber glamorous, still with freshness and lift. A gorgeous wine with lots going on! 0.5% Petit Verdot completes the blend. 3.73pH. 14% press wine.