2006 Le Petit Mouton
By Chateau Mouton Rothschild
2006 Le Petit Mouton from Château Mouton Rothschild, Pauillac, Bordeaux
A journey into the 2006 vintage from the esteemed Château Mouton Rothschild reveals an intriguing chapter in the annals of Pauillac. Within the ambit of Bordeaux's dignified legacy, the 2006 Le Petit Mouton offers an articulate expression of a year that juggled generosity and structure with adept assurance.
The Craftsmanship of Clarity
As we delve into the intricate layers of the 2006 Le Petit Mouton, it's evident that this particular Pauillac stands as a testament to the craftsmanship behind Château Mouton Rothschild's second wine. The season was fraught with climatic caprice, resulting in a battle of elements that ultimately sculpted a vintage with pronounced character. Despite erratic spring weather and summer's heat, an auspicious September provided salvation, granting grapes a harmonious ripening season.
An elaborate tapestry of aromas ensues; cassis and plum flirt with tendrils of tobacco and delicate earthy undertones—a narrative of terroir spoken through scent. On the palate, 2006 bewitches with a mature yet vivacious tannic structure—assertive without being brash—embracing dark fruit in a dance of longevity and depth.
An Investment in Vinous Virtuosity
Species of Bordeaux that court patience before revealing their zenith, such as this one, have long been astute fixtures within the portfolios of discerning fine wine investors. The 2006 Le Petit Mouton harmonizes investment potential with sensory pleasure—firm enough to promise evolution yet approachable for those seeking immediate gratification.
In conclusion, when reflecting on Pauillac vintages poised for curated cellars, the 2006 Le Petit Mouton is a bespoke offering from Château Mouton Rothschild. It embodies the resilience and adaptability of its challenging season, resulting in a wine that speaks volumes about its birthright nuanced by time’s passage—a quintessential addition for investors seeking both tangible returns and ineffable delight.
Current market price
£2,580.00
12x75cl
Highest score
92
POP score
215
Scores and tasting notes
Tasted blind at Southwold ’06 Bordeaux tasting. This is a gem of a Le Petit Mouton, possibly the best ever. A fragrant bouquet: blackberry, damson, graphite, cedar and a touch of earth all; very well defined and agreeably austere. The palate is medium-bodied, firm tannins, very well balanced and great purity. Very charming, almost super-Tuscan in style (that is meant as a complement.) Suave and sensuous, caressing on the finish. Tasted January 2010.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Sep 2010
Tasted blind at Farr Vintners horizontal, the 2006 Le Petit Mouton was a bit of a revelation. It displays more intense red fruit compared to its Pauillac peers with pencil shavings littered over raspberry and strawberry. There is such an infectious sense of joie-de-vivre here. The palate is medium-bodied with fine definition, crisp and tensile with good weight, showing fine elegance with a long, lightly spiced finish that does not seem to go dissipate after a minute. This seems to be blossoming in bottle, though my fear is that many will have already been consumed! Tasted April 2016.
Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 29 May 2016
The 2006 Le Petit Mouton is the finest example of this cuvee I have yet tasted. A combination of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Cabernet Franc, and 14% Merlot, its dark ruby/purple color is followed by a wine with sweet tannins, an up-front, precocious personality, loads of fruit and exuberance, and a slightly flamboyant style that gives it considerable sensual appeal. It should drink beautifully for 15 or more years. Ever since owner Philippine de Rothschild put Philippe Dalhuin in charge at Mouton in 2004 there has been a dramatic reduction in the amount of wine produced under the Mouton Rothschild label. The selection process has been ratcheted up to the level of other first-growths, and that is reflected in what is clearly the greatest Mouton produced since 1982 and 1986. As I indicated in my barrel tasting notes, only 44% of the crop made it into the 2006 grand vin, which is the lowest percentage in more than fifty years. The final blend includes a high percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon (87%) and the rest Merlot (13%). No Cabernet Franc was utilized in 2006, and purchasers will have a long wait until this wine reaches full maturity. Keep in mind that, where well-stored, the 1986 currently tastes like a 4-5 year old wine, and the 1982 is just beginning to enter early adolescence. If you extrapolate from that, the 2006 will need at least twenty years to reach a teen-age status, and probably will not hit its plateau of maturity for three decades.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #181