Chateau Mouton Rothschild   Le Petit Mouton

2015 Le Petit Mouton

By Chateau Mouton Rothschild

2015 Le Petit Mouton from Château Mouton Rothschild, Pauillac, Bordeaux

In a regional legacy where vintage variation speaks volumes, the 2015 Le Petit Mouton from Château Mouton Rothschild occupies a space that exudes both pedigree and distinction, as borne of an auspicious Bordelaise season. Offered from an estate whose narrative is penned in the ink of vinicultural mastery, this particular chapter marries a profusion of favorable climatic conditions to yield a libation worthy of investors' cellars.

 

Characterful Contours of Concentration and Elegance

The 2015 Pauillac vintage emerged triumphantly from a growing season marked by ample sunshine and punctuated by just enough rainfall to emphasize the depth of Pauillac's terroir. The harmony in this expression from Château Mouton Rothschild is one of astute balance; reveling in ripe tannins that articulate structure without overshadowing the essentially plush essence within this suite of second vine wines. As one delves into the glass, there is an orchestration of dark fruits, seasoned by the deft use of oak, which proffers whispers of vanilla and sweet spice - subtle yet profound.

 

Oenological Alchemy: Investing in Pauillac Prowess

The 2015 Le Petit Mouton articulately encapsulates the brand's methodology – a dedication to extracting the quintessence of varietal character aligned with judicious winemaking finesse. Even as a sibling to the grand vin's eminence, it does not shy away from stating its own complexity and vibrancy. Here lies an investment potential, as this wine strides confidently into its drinking window with a promise of development over time.

From its opaque ruby façade to the long, gratifying finish, the 2015 Le Petit Mouton serves as a vanguard for Pauillac's offerings in an acclaimed year. A creation that nestles elegantly within the tapestry of fine Bordeaux, it proclaims a place among collectibles that not only reflect but heighten the discourse on the virtues of their storied region.

In summary, pairing sound viticulture with desired rarity, these parcels exude investment gravitas and sensory pleasure alike—a dual countenance that speaks obliquely to savvy connoisseurs and astute investors. The 2015 Le Petit Mouton emerges not only as one of Pauillac’s articulate expressions but also as a tangible testament to Château Mouton Rothschild’s relentless quest for excellence.

Current market price

£2,300.00

12x75cl

Highest score

94

POP score

164.29

Scores and tasting notes

93-94

Very rich and chewy and polished. The soft and silky tannins coat your mouth. Full and savory. Excellent.

James Suckling - jamessuckling.com

93

This second label of Mouton Rothschild is composed of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc, representing approximately 25% of the crop. Medium-deep garnet purple colored, the 2015 Le Petit Mouton opens with ripe, seductive cassis, crushed blackberries and black forest cake notes giving way to hints of menthol, new leather, chargrill and bouquet garni. Medium to full-bodied with a bright, racy line of refreshing acidity cutting through the generous flavors, it has a solid frame of grainy tannins and a vibrant finish. Very impressive.

Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 21 February 2018

91-93

The 2015 Le Petit Mouton is a blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc, matured in 40% new oak and the remainder one-year-old. It has a very intense bouquet for this deuxième vin, a far cry from the rustic wines produced in the 1990s. It is almost opaque, a wall of blackberry, cassis and tobacco aromas, perhaps the most powerful that I have ever tasted under this label. Over ten minutes, I noticed it become more sensual and rounded. The palate is medium-bodied with very fine tannin, like the aromatics, incredibly powerful and assertive. Wonderful delineation here, very mineral-driven with a bravura of a finish. It begged the question...is this really a second wine? Maybe they should rename it "Le Grand Mouton"? It is amazing to think how humdrum vintages of this were in the 1990s. This is a completely different wine to those.

Neal Martin - eRobertParker.com, #224, April 2016

91

By the standards of some second wines in 2015, this is a slight disappointment, showing a lot of oak, notes of chocolate and green pepper, firmish tannins and layers of ripe, dark fruits. Attractive enough, but not subtle. Drink: 2020-26

Tim Atkin - timatkin.com

17

78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc. 29% of the crop. Lively aromatic wine. Pretty sinewy and vigorous with real ripe fruit but overall dry on the end. A little austere at this point. But in the middle there is palate weight.

Jancis Robinson - jancisrobinson.com

Vintage performance