A radiant expression of Pauillac’s elegance and energy, the 2021 Le Petit Mouton delivers a strikingly aromatic bouquet of strawberries, cherries, and peony, underpinned by subtle nutmeg and clove. The palate is round, vibrant, and layered—with plush blackcurrant fruit, silky tannins, and a long, chocolate-laced finish. Benefiting from parcels typically reserved for the grand vin, this vintage balances delicacy with intensity, showing both finesse and unexpected depth. A glamorous and expressive second wine that promises complexity and charm from 2027 onward.

James Suckling | JS 95
Published: Apr 5, 2024

This is surprisingly full-bodied and round, reflecting the warmth and sunny exposure of the vineyard around the chateau. Tangy and vivid with currants, fresh flowers and plenty of energy and length. Delicate yet ripe. 77% cabernet sauvignon, 19.5% merlot, 3% cabernet franc and 0.5% petit verdot. Needs two or three years to come together completely. Drink after 2027.

Decanter | D 92
Published: Apr 1, 2022
Drink: 2025-2039

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.

The Wine Advocate | RP 91
Published: Feb 8, 2024
Drink: 2027-2041

The 2021 Le Petit Mouton wafts from the glass with rich aromas of dark berries, cherries and cassis mingled with licorice, mint and dark chocolate. Medium to full-bodied, rich and layered, it's dense and velvety, with sweet tannins and a long, expansive finish. As readers may remember, since Mouton-Rothschild itself this year derives exclusively from the two plateaus that always make up the core of the blend, the Petit Mouton benefits from the inclusion of parcels that often make it into the grand vin.

Chateau-mouton-rothschild.com

Colour: Dark red with a carmine hue.

Nose: A highly complex bouquet where aromas of morello cherry and peony mingle with nutmeg.

Palate:

Attack: Full and succulent.

Mid‑palate: Balanced and harmonious over close‑knit, precise tannins that support a rich body laden with perfectly ripe black‑fruit flavours.

Finish: Long‑lasting, leaving lingering chocolate notes.