Le Petit Mouton de Mouton Rothschild 2018

"The 2018 Le Petit Mouton is an atypical vintage insofar as it contains a higher percentage of Merlot this year. It presents a very pure, almost Right Bank bouquet of wild strawberry, raspberry and crushed stone aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with a fresh, lively entry, firm grip and good volume. A subtle finishing note of cracked black pepper note lingers in the mouth. Excellent." - Neal Martin, vinous.com, (November, 2019), Ratings: 91-93, Drink: 2023-2040

"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." - Lisa Perotti-Brown, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, Ratings: (92-94)+

 "A brilliant effort that matches most estates' Grand Vins, the 2018 Le Petit Mouton De Mouton Rothschild (56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc) reveals a deep purple hue as well as a ripe yet fresh bouquet of crème de cassis, candied violets, graphite, lead pencil shavings, and background oak, with a touch of rocky, crushed stone-like minerality showing with time in the glass. Beautifully concentrated and full-bodied, with a solid spine of acidity and ripe polished tannins, give bottles 5-7 years, and it's going to evolve for 20-30 years or more. This is a serious, elegant yet powerful second wine." - Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com, Rating: 94+, Drink: 2026-2056