Petit Mouton 2018 (750ML)

92-94+ Points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2018 Le Petit Mouton is blended of 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc, harvested September 10 to October 3. It represents about 26% of the total crop and has 14% alcohol-the alcohol has never been this high! Deep garnet-purple, it comes bounding out of the glass with sit-up-and-beg notes of crème de cassis, plum preserves and mulberries plus nuances of chocolate box, Chinese five spice, licorice and candied violets. Full-bodied, rich and oh-so-hedonic, the palate is packed with juicy black fruit layers wrapped in a firm, velvety structure, with loads of fragrant spice layers on the very long finish." 04/19

92 Points, Neal Martin, Vinous: "The 2018 Le Petit Mouton continues a strong run for this Second Wine. It has an upfront, quite bold bouquet offering a mixture of red and black fruit, freshly tilled soil, potpourri and cedar. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins on the entry. A structured Le Petit Mouton with good grip and salinity. It becomes a little peppery toward the finish, and the graphite lingering on the aftertaste is très Pauillac. Excellent." 03/21

90-93 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous: "The 2018 Le Petit-Mouton is unusual in that it contains a high (40%) amount of Merlot. Pliant, racy and supple, the Petit-Mouton should drink well with minimal cellaring. In many vintages, Petit-Mouton is a smaller-scaled version of the Grand Vin, but in 2018, the elevated presence of Merlot yields a wine that is quite different in style, with softer contours and a much gentler overall feel than is often the case. The blend is 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc. Yields were about 28 hectoliters per hectare as opposed to 34-37." 04/19

97 Points, James Suckling, jamessuckling.com: "Real purity of fruit with currants, blackberries and flowers that show on both the nose and palate. It’s full-bodied with layers of ripe tannins that are polished and creamy. Delicious finish. So attractive now. Second wine of Mouton. Ethereal. But give this three or four years to come around." 02/21

92 Points, James Molesworth, Wine Spectator: "Pure and focused, with a lovely caressing edge to its mix of plum sauce and warmed cassis fruit flavors that are augmented by smoldering earth, tobacco and alder notes that tug gently on the finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2032." 03/21

94 Points, Jane Ansen, Decanter: "Exuberant as always but here with pretty serious tannins, the result of small berries and a low yield of 28hl/ha, so a little more tension than many vintages of Petit Mouton (they also harvested a little earlier). This gives a finesse that is highly appealing with tons of coffee, chocolate and damson character. 26% of overall production - a little less than usual - and 11% press wine. Harvest September 10 to October 3." 11/20

93-95 Points, Jeb Dunnuck, www.jebdunnuck.com: "The 2018 Le Petit Mouton De Mouton-Rothschild is a beauty and shows both the richer, sexy style of the vintage as well as notable elegance and purity. Crème de cassis, violets, and lead pencil notes all emerge from this richly textured, full-bodied, yet pure and precise beauty. With building tannins and a great finish, it should be drinkable in just 3-5 years yet keep for three decades. The blend is 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, and 4% Cabernet Franc brought up in 60% new French oak." 05/19