Petit Mouton (2nd wine of Mouton Rothschild) 2017

Pauillac, Second wine

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Tasting Notes

The 2017 Le Petit-Mouton is endowed with tremendous richness and intensity. Deep, ample and structured, it is brimming with inky red and purplish berry fruit, pomegranate, spice, leather, blood orange, white pepper and wild flowers. The potent, plush 2017 is full of explosive energy that is just waiting to be unleashed. There is tremendous concentration of fruit here, even if the tannins belie some bit of rusticity. It will be interesting to see if the 2017 ultimately softens a bit from here.

Score: 92

Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com Maturity: 2022-2037 01 March 2020

The 2017 Le Petit-Mouton is dense, powerful and luscious. Even with all of its richness, the Petit Mouton possesses terrific structural underpinnings that give the wine its shape and overall persistence. Red cherry jam, wild flowers and sweet spice build into the finish in this decidedly succulent Pauillac. The blend is 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc. The late season rains were especially challenging for the Merlot and Cabernet Franc. As a result the total production of Le Petit-Mouton is down around 28%. "After the frost, which did not really affect us, the major challenge in 2017 was heat stress," Mouton Technical Director Philippe Dhalluin told me. "We had no rain until the end of June. Then, in September, when we needed a bit of rain again, we got more than double what would have been optimal. The September rain affected the Merlot and Cabernet Franc, while the Cabernet Sauvignon was able to take advantage of the last 15 days of the growing season, which were much more favorable. In the cellar, we opted for longer macerations at lower temperatures, as we wanted to avoid extracting the type of hard tannins that mark other vintages with very dry summers, such as 2011."

Score: 90 - 92

Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com 01 May 2018

The 2017 Le Petit Mouton is noticeably deep in colour. The bouquet is one of my favourites among the range with ebullient blackberry, raspberry, orange rind and Cuban cigar aromas that burst from the glass with wonderful detail. The 17 months in 50% new oak has ensured that the wood is seamlessly integrated. The palate is medium-bodied with very fine tannins. Philippe Dhalluin told me that it underwent a severe selection, representing just 21% of the production of Mouton-Rothschild. That really tells since there is wonderful harmony and precision towards the finish Le Petit Mouton is certainly growing up. Superb.

Score: 93

Neal Martin, Vinous.com Maturity: 2023-2045 01 February 2020

The 2017 Le Petit Mouton was tasted on two occasions, the first obviously reduced due to a later blending than its stablemates. Returning a second time in April, I still felt it needed a little more time and therefore I will seek to review this later in the year.

Score: -

Neal Martin, Vinous.com 01 May 2018

Deep crimson. Pure minerally cassis, very refined and elegant on the nose. Succulent and pure in Cabernet Sauvignon character and the most beautifully fine tannin texture. So silky and with that lovely sweet mineral cassis on the palate. Very good. (17+ Points)

Score: 17

Julia Harding MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2025-2037 27 April 2018

The 2017 Le Petit Mouton, blended of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc, is very deep purple-black in color and a touch reduced on the nose (both times it was tasted), giving way to notions of preserved plums and blackberry preserves with touches of licorice, tar, black soil and truffles. Medium-bodied, elegant and with a firm line of grainy tannins melded with seamless freshness, it has a fairly muscular character at this stage and a long, earthy finish. (89-91+)

Score: 89 - 91

Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com 27 April 2018

The saturated purple-colored 2017 Le Petit Mouton Rothschild is a terrific wine and better than the vast majority of top wines out there. The blend in 2017 is 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Franc brought up in 50% new oak and it should see roughly 18 months in barrel. Cassis, graphite, crushed violets, and Asian spice notes all emerge from this deep, rich, beautifully concentrated wine that has a beautiful voluptuousness and expansive character on the palate.

Score: 91 - 94

Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com 23 April 2018

Blackberry and blueberry character with black licorice and aniseed. Full body, tight and chewy tannins and a long, flavorful finish. Tight at the end but shows plenty of potential. Second wine of Mouton.

Score: 93 - 94

James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com 06 April 2018

This has a pleasantly juicy and fleshy edge to the mix of cassis and cherry preserve flavors, while suave apple wood and warm stone notes glide in on the finish.

Score: 90 - 93

James Molesworth, Wine Spectator 04 April 2018

This doesn't quite have the exuberant joy of most vintages, but is extremely well put together. I has some clear menthol notes, with fresh mint, cassis, graphite, and a subtle layering of flexible tannins. This is accomplished and lovely, but has a little less of a Petit Mouton signature than usual. Just 20% of the crop went into Petit Mouton this year - 25% less than usual because the Merlot didn't quite come through the dry summer and rains of September as they had hoped. 50% new oak.

Score: 91

Jane Anson, Decanter.com Maturity: 2024-2038 01 April 2018