Le PETIT MOUTON
Second wine from Château Mouton-Rothschild
- 2018
- Pauillac
Mouton-Rothschild's second wine, which appeared in 1993, has since made its place among its peers (Carruades de Lafite, Forts de Latour, Pavillon Rouge) by offering each vintage a great Pauillac, full, fleshy, muscular, barely less deep and full-bodied than its famous big brother but with the same cassis finish. Petit Mouton has grown up!
Rated 93/100 by N. MARTIN «The 2020 Le Petit Mouton has less than 13% alcohol. It has an intense bouquet with black fruit, freshly-tilled loam, light estuarine scents and a touch of pressed violets. Very delineated and focused. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, wonderful acidity and tension, very focused and mineral-driven towards the finish that is persistent. Graphite notes linger on the aftertaste. Superb. » (December 2022)
- To keep or to drink :
- Wait 3 to 5 years
- Apogée :
- 2030-2044
From the same producer
-
The arrival of Mr. Dhalluin in 2004 not only benefited Mouton-Rothschild, but also the two other classified growths of Barony: d'Armailhac and Clerc-Milon. Their vines occupy the southern (d'Armailhac) and northern (Clerc-Milon) part of the Mouton gravel plateau. D'Armailhac is barely less rich than Clerc-Milon, but it gives the same aromatic nobility of blackcurrant, tobacco and cedar blends.
More- To keep or to drink:
- Wait 3 to 5 years
- Apogée:
- 2028-2040
-
The arrival of Mr. Dhalluin in 2004 not only benefited Mouton-Rothschild, but also the two other classified growths of Barony: d'Armailhac and Clerc-Milon. Their vines occupy the southern (d'Armailhac) and northern (Clerc-Milon) part of the Mouton gravel plateau. D'Armailhac is barely less rich than Clerc-Milon, but it gives the same aromatic nobility of blackcurrant, tobacco and cedar blends.
The 2020 vintage in the press:
La Revue du Vin de France (September 2023): 94/100 “2020 is a new stage. It is in phase with our expectations and its remarkable energy is driven by a beautiful burst of juicy red fruit. A wine that's both taut and coated, with a lovely textured finish.”
Vinous (N.Martin - November 2024): 94/100 “The 2020 d'Armailhac has a more backward nose than its peers, though it gradually unfurls to reveal wonderful blackberry, pencil shaving and violet scents that are very delineated and precise. The palate is medium-bodied with succulent ripe black fruit, quite a "juicy" Pauillac with a lot of concentration that masks the struture underneath. Very persistent on the finish with a dash of black pepper on the aftertaste, this is another long-term Pauillac.”
Bettane et Desseauve (Guide 2024): 93/100
More- To keep or to drink:
- Wait 3 to 5 years
- Apogée:
- 2028-2040
- Potential alcohol:
- 14.5%
-
The arrival of Mr. Dhalluin in 2004 not only benefited Mouton-Rothschild, but also the two other classified growths of Barony: d'Armailhac and Clerc-Milon. Their vines occupy the southern (d'Armailhac) and northern (Clerc-Milon) part of the Mouton gravel plateau. D'Armailhac is barely less rich than Clerc-Milon, but it gives the same aromatic nobility of blackcurrant, tobacco and cedar blends.
The 2019 vintage in the press:
Bettane et Desseauve (Guide 2024): 94/100
La Revue du Vin de France (September 2022): 94/100 “This 2019, with its straight, greedy profile, unfurls a lovely frame, with sap and a well-constructed mid-palate.”
J-M Quarin (March 2022): 93/100 “Ample on the attack, juicy in the mid-palate, well-constituted, tasty and complete, the wine finishes long and noble, with lots of taste and a touch of positive austerity. Very good.”
More- To keep or to drink:
- Ready to drink
- Apogée:
- 2028-2040
-
The arrival of Mr. Dhalluin in 2004 not only benefited Mouton-Rothschild, but also the two other classified growths of Barony: d'Armailhac and Clerc-Milon. Their vines occupy the southern (d'Armailhac) and northern (Clerc-Milon) part of the Mouton gravel plateau. D'Armailhac is barely less rich than Clerc-Milon, but it gives the same aromatic nobility of blackcurrant, tobacco and cedar blends.
The 2018 vintage in the press:
La Revue du Vin de France (November 2020): 94/100 “Very full and sunny, this 2018 vintage impresses with its density, black cherry notes and voluptuous finish.”
More- To keep or to drink:
- Wait 1 to 2 years
- Apogée:
- 2025-2038
- Potential alcohol:
- 14.5%
-
The arrival of Mr. Dhalluin in 2004 not only benefited Mouton-Rothschild, but also the two other classified growths of Barony: d'Armailhac and Clerc-Milon. Their vines occupy the southern (d'Armailhac) and northern (Clerc-Milon) part of the Mouton gravel plateau. D'Armailhac is barely less rich than Clerc-Milon, but it gives the same aromatic nobility of blackcurrant, tobacco and cedar blends.
More- To keep or to drink:
- Wait 1 to 2 years
- Apogée:
- 2025-2038
- Potential alcohol:
- 13.5%
-
The arrival of Mr. Dhalluin in 2004 not only benefited Mouton-Rothschild, but also the two other classified growths of Barony: d'Armailhac and Clerc-Milon. Their vines occupy the southern (d'Armailhac) and northern (Clerc-Milon) part of the Mouton gravel plateau. D'Armailhac is barely less rich than Clerc-Milon, but it gives the same aromatic nobility of blackcurrant, tobacco and cedar blends.
The 2015 vintage in the press:
La Revue du Vin de France (Guide 2025): 93/100 “The 2015 also shows itself to be very comely, charming, melted, with a lovely grain of tannin.”
La Revue du Vin de France (November 2017 - Hors-série n°33): 17/20 “It explodes with fruit on the nose [...] full, coated palate that has retained all its freshness.”
More- To keep or to drink:
- Wait 1 to 2 years
- Apogée:
- 2025-2035
- Potential alcohol:
- 13.5%
-
The arrival of Mr. Dhalluin in 2004 not only benefited Mouton-Rothschild, but also the two other classified growths of Barony: d'Armailhac and Clerc-Milon. Their vines occupy the southern (d'Armailhac) and northern (Clerc-Milon) part of the Mouton gravel plateau. D'Armailhac is barely less rich than Clerc-Milon, but it gives the same aromatic nobility of blackcurrant, tobacco and cedar blends.
The 2012 vintage in the press:
En Magnum (2023): 92/100 “Magnificent nose, pure, subtle in the classic spicy notes of cedar, fresh and complex, with an astonishing palette of gradations in the tactile sensations that bring the wine closer to the Lafite character than to that of Mouton, but that's just what the parcellaire of the cru allows. A little-known vintage that is often remarkable in Saint-Julien and Pauillac”.
More- To keep or to drink:
- Ready to drink
- Apogée:
- 2020-2032
-
The arrival of Mr. Dhalluin in 2004 not only benefited Mouton-Rothschild, but also the two other classified growths of Barony: d'Armailhac and Clerc-Milon. Their vines occupy the southern (d'Armailhac) and northern (Clerc-Milon) part of the Mouton gravel plateau. D'Armailhac is barely less rich than Clerc-Milon, but it gives the same aromatic nobility of blackcurrant, tobacco and cedar blends.
Rated 17/20 by La Revue du Vin de France on november 2017 (Hors-série n°33) « Il explose de fruits au nez [...] bouche plein et enrobée qui a conservé toute sa fraîcheur. ».
More- To keep or to drink:
- Ready to drink
- Apogée:
- 2021-2036
-
The arrival of Mr. Dhalluin in 2004 not only benefited Mouton-Rothschild, but also the two other classified growths of Barony: d'Armailhac and Clerc-Milon. Their vines occupy the southern (d'Armailhac) and northern (Clerc-Milon) part of the Mouton gravel plateau. D'Armailhac is barely less rich than Clerc-Milon, but it gives the same aromatic nobility of blackcurrant, tobacco and cedar blends.
The 2010 vintage in the press:
En Magnum (2023): 90/100 “A wine with a strong constitution, virile in its texture and its return of tannin, still a little firm and astringent, marked Pauillac character, more cedar than blond tobacco, less harmonious at the moment than the 2009, but impressive and built for ageing.”
More- To keep or to drink:
- Ready to drink
- Apogée:
- 2022-2036
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Property Rothschild (Mouton), with d'Armailhac. Apart from the terroir, the main difference between the two crus is the increased proportion of Merlot in Clerc-Milon (35% as opposed to 20%), giving it additional smoothness and richness. Since 2007 Clerc-Milon has benefited from its own vat room, a new winery and a dedicated team of 21 people so that Clerc-Milon can compete qualitatively with Lynch-Bages and Pontet-Canet.
More- To keep or to drink:
- Wait 3 to 5 years
- Apogée:
- 2026-2038
-
Property Rothschild (Mouton), with d'Armailhac. Apart from the terroir, the main difference between the two crus is the increased proportion of Merlot in Clerc-Milon (35% as opposed to 20%), giving it additional smoothness and richness. Since 2007 Clerc-Milon has benefited from its own vat room, a new winery and a dedicated team of 21 people so that Clerc-Milon can compete qualitatively with Lynch-Bages and Pontet-Canet.
The 2021 vintage in the press:
La Revue du Vin de France (Guide 2025): 94/100 “A success with an elegant, racy profile. The palate is precise, chiseled, with a beautiful intensity of flavors, and concludes with a round, suave finish.”
Vinous (A. Galloni - December 2023): 94/100 “The 2021 Clerc Milon is another fine affort from the château. It offers an alluring mix of fruit raciness and savory character from the Cabernets. Grilled herbs, graphite, mint, lavender and leather add layers of nuance. The long, persistent finish is thing of beauty. Clerc Milon has been on the rise of late.”
More- To keep or to drink:
- Wait 1 to 2 years
- Apogée:
- 2026-2038
-
Property Rothschild (Mouton), with d'Armailhac. Apart from the terroir, the main difference between the two crus is the increased proportion of Merlot in Clerc-Milon (35% as opposed to 20%), giving it additional smoothness and richness. Since 2007 Clerc-Milon has benefited from its own vat room, a new winery and a dedicated team of 21 people so that Clerc-Milon can compete qualitatively with Lynch-Bages and Pontet-Canet.
The 2019 vintage in the press:
J-M Quarin (March 2022): 95/100 “Superb ensemble and more precise than ever.”
La Revue du Vin de France (September 2022): 95/100 “Built on a high proportion of Cabernet, this Clerc Milon imposes its beautiful definition and its long, sapid palate. A benchmark vintage for this cru”.
Vinous (N. Martin - February 2022): 93/100 “There is more elegance here than I noticed last year. This should evolve into a top-grade Clerc-Milon.”
Bettane et Desseauve (Guide 2024): 94/100
More- To keep or to drink:
- Wait 1 to 2 years
- Apogée:
- 2026-2038
-
Property Rothschild (Mouton), with d'Armailhac. Apart from the terroir, the main difference between the two crus is the increased proportion of Merlot in Clerc-Milon (35% as opposed to 20%), giving it additional smoothness and richness. Since 2007 Clerc-Milon has benefited from its own vat room, a new winery and a dedicated team of 21 people so that Clerc-Milon can compete qualitatively with Lynch-Bages and Pontet-Canet.
The 2018 vintage in the press:
La Revue du Vin de France (November 2020): 95/100 “In 2018, the vintage perfectly manages the richness of the vintage. The wine explodes with fruit, yet is sharp. It retains a very energetic and tonic side.”
En Magnum (April 2021): 95/100 “Strong color, remarkable enveloping body, linked to a masterful texture, integrated and sensitive oak, length, complexity, with evidence of a high final ripeness of the grape. A classic, well-crafted Pauillac."
More- To keep or to drink:
- Wait 3 to 5 years
- Apogée:
- 2028-2040
-
Property Rothschild (Mouton), with d'Armailhac. Apart from the terroir, the main difference between the two crus is the increased proportion of Merlot in Clerc-Milon (35% as opposed to 20%), giving it additional smoothness and richness. Since 2007 Clerc-Milon has benefited from its own vat room, a new winery and a dedicated team of 21 people so that Clerc-Milon can compete qualitatively with Lynch-Bages and Pontet-Canet.
The 2018 vintage in the press:
La Revue du Vin de France (November 2020): 95/100 “In 2018, the vintage perfectly manages the richness of the vintage. The wine explodes with fruit, yet is sharp. It retains a very energetic and tonic side.”
En Magnum (April 2021): 95/100 “Strong color, remarkable enveloping body, linked to a masterful texture, integrated and sensitive oak, length, complexity, with evidence of a high final ripeness of the grape. A classic, well-crafted Pauillac."
More- To keep or to drink:
- Wait 5 to 10 years
- Apogée:
- 2028-2040
-
Property Rothschild (Mouton), with d'Armailhac. Apart from the terroir, the main difference between the two crus is the increased proportion of Merlot in Clerc-Milon (35% as opposed to 20%), giving it additional smoothness and richness. Since 2007 Clerc-Milon has benefited from its own vat room, a new winery and a dedicated team of 21 people so that Clerc-Milon can compete qualitatively with Lynch-Bages and Pontet-Canet.
The 2016 vintage in the press:
La Revue du Vin de France (Guide 2019): 95/100 Coup de ♥ “It's hard to resist the charm of this wine, all power and refinement. Everything is in place, it expresses lots of flavors, with very fine-grained tannins, and above all lingers for a long time.”
Vinous (Neal Martin- January 2020): 93/100 “Clerc-Milon 2016 presents a lively bouquet imbued with graphite and well-defined black fruits, with hints of peony and iris petals in the watermark. The classic palate is medium-bodied, with fine-grained tannins, well-balanced acidity and just the right amount of austerity towards a finish with a hint of bitterness. Excellent (and less “closed” than I found it 12 months earlier). Apogee 2021-2036.”
More- To keep or to drink:
- Ready to drink
- Apogée:
- 2025-2040
-
Property Rothschild (Mouton), with d'Armailhac. Apart from the terroir, the main difference between the two crus is the increased proportion of Merlot in Clerc-Milon (35% as opposed to 20%), giving it additional smoothness and richness. Since 2007 Clerc-Milon has benefited from its own vat room, a new winery and a dedicated team of 21 people so that Clerc-Milon can compete qualitatively with Lynch-Bages and Pontet-Canet.
The 2016 vintage in the press:
La Revue du Vin de France (Guide 2019): 95/100 Coup de ♥ “It's hard to resist the charm of this wine, all power and refinement. Everything is in place, it expresses lots of flavors, with very fine-grained tannins, and above all lingers for a long time.”
Vinous (Neal Martin- January 2020): 93/100 “Clerc-Milon 2016 presents a lively bouquet imbued with graphite and well-defined black fruits, with hints of peony and iris petals in the watermark. The classic palate is medium-bodied, with fine-grained tannins, well-balanced acidity and just the right amount of austerity towards a finish with a hint of bitterness. Excellent (and less “closed” than I found it 12 months earlier). Apogee 2021-2036.”
More- To keep or to drink:
- Wait 1 to 2 years
- Apogée:
- 2025-2040
-
Property Rothschild (Mouton), with d'Armailhac. Apart from the terroir, the main difference between the two crus is the increased proportion of Merlot in Clerc-Milon (35% as opposed to 20%), giving it additional smoothness and richness. Since 2007 Clerc-Milon has benefited from its own vat room, a new winery and a dedicated team of 21 people so that Clerc-Milon can compete qualitatively with Lynch-Bages and Pontet-Canet.
More- To keep or to drink:
- Wait 1 to 2 years
- Apogée:
- 2025-2038
-
Mouton-Rothschild's second wine, which appeared in 1993, has since made its place among its peers (Carruades de Lafite, Forts de Latour, Pavillon Rouge) by offering each vintage a great Pauillac, full, fleshy, muscular, barely less deep and full-bodied than its famous big brother but with the same cassis finish. Petit Mouton has grown up!
More- To keep or to drink:
- Wait 5 to 10 years
- Apogée:
- 2030-2044
-
Mouton-Rothschild's second wine, which appeared in 1993, has since made its place among its peers (Carruades de Lafite, Forts de Latour, Pavillon Rouge) by offering each vintage a great Pauillac, full, fleshy, muscular, barely less deep and full-bodied than its famous big brother but with the same cassis finish. Petit Mouton has grown up!
The 2020 vintage in the press:
Vinous (N.Martin - November 2024): 94/100 “The 2020 Le Petit Mouton has a seductive bouquet with a mixture of red and black fruit, cedar and pencil lead, seeming to gain precision in the glass-very classic in style. the palate is medium-bodied with a sweet core of cassis and blackberry fruit, very composed and very pure. A cashmere-textured finish fans out gloriously. This is a seriously fine Pauillac for long-term cellaring (written before its identity was revealed).”
Bettane et Desseauve (Guide 2024): 94/100
More- To keep or to drink:
- Wait 5 to 10 years
- Apogée:
- 2030-2044
-
Mouton-Rothschild's second wine, which appeared in 1993, has since made its place among its peers (Carruades de Lafite, Forts de Latour, Pavillon Rouge) by offering each vintage a great Pauillac, full, fleshy, muscular, barely less deep and full-bodied than its famous big brother but with the same cassis finish. Petit Mouton has grown up!
Rated 93/100 by N. MARTIN «The 2020 Le Petit Mouton has less than 13% alcohol. It has an intense bouquet with black fruit, freshly-tilled loam, light estuarine scents and a touch of pressed violets. Very delineated and focused. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, wonderful acidity and tension, very focused and mineral-driven towards the finish that is persistent. Graphite notes linger on the aftertaste. Superb. » (December 2022)
More- To keep or to drink:
- Wait 1 to 2 years
- Apogée:
- 2030-2044
-
Mouton-Rothschild's upgrade in 1973 from second to first grand cru classé was as legitimate as it was deserved in view of the quality of its terroir, a plateau of 90 hectares of deep gravel to the north of Pauillac, with Lafite-Rothschild as a neighbor. Despite this promotion, and even though it regularly tops the rankings in tastings, Mouton-Rothschild remains to this day the least expensive of the Médoc's premier crus classés. Its powerful, full-bodied style and its ability to age well have led Mr. Bettane to write "perhaps the most formally perfect wine in the Médoc...".
The 2021 vintage in the press:
La Revue du Vin de France (Guide 2025): 97/100 “This Pauillac displays great distinction. The Cabernets (90%) are admirably defined. The wine coats the palate and delivers a fresh balance (12.8°). The quality of the tannins is magnificent, with a very fine touch and great suavity.”
More- To keep or to drink:
- Wait 5 to 10 years
- Apogée:
- 2028-2050
-
Mouton-Rothschild's upgrade in 1973 from second to first grand cru classé was as legitimate as it was deserved in view of the quality of its terroir, a plateau of 90 hectares of deep gravel to the north of Pauillac, with Lafite-Rothschild as a neighbor. Despite this promotion, and even though it regularly tops the rankings in tastings, Mouton-Rothschild remains to this day the least expensive of the Médoc's premier crus classés. Its powerful, full-bodied style and its ability to age well have led Mr. Bettane to write "perhaps the most formally perfect wine in the Médoc...".
The 2012 vintage « a major success of the vintage » has obtained 94/100 by Wine Advocate.
More- To keep or to drink:
- Wait 5 to 10 years
- Apogée:
- 2030-2045
- Potential alcohol:
- 13.5%
-
Mouton-Rothschild's upgrade in 1973 from second to first grand cru classé was as legitimate as it was deserved in view of the quality of its terroir, a plateau of 90 hectares of deep gravel to the north of Pauillac, with Lafite-Rothschild as a neighbor. Despite this promotion, and even though it regularly tops the rankings in tastings, Mouton-Rothschild remains to this day the least expensive of the Médoc's premier crus classés. Its powerful, full-bodied style and its ability to age well have led Mr. Bettane to write "perhaps the most formally perfect wine in the Médoc...".
The 2012 vintage « a major success of the vintage » has obtained 94/100 by Wine Advocate.
More- To keep or to drink:
- Wait 3 to 5 years
- Apogée:
- 2028-2042
- Potential alcohol:
- 13.5%
-
Mouton-Rothschild's upgrade in 1973 from second to first grand cru classé was as legitimate as it was deserved in view of the quality of its terroir, a plateau of 90 hectares of deep gravel to the north of Pauillac, with Lafite-Rothschild as a neighbor. Despite this promotion, and even though it regularly tops the rankings in tastings, Mouton-Rothschild remains to this day the least expensive of the Médoc's premier crus classés. Its powerful, full-bodied style and its ability to age well have led Mr. Bettane to write "perhaps the most formally perfect wine in the Médoc...".
The 2012 vintage « a major success of the vintage » has obtained 94/100 by Wine Advocate.
More- To keep or to drink:
- Wait 3 to 5 years
- Apogée:
- 2028-2050
- Potential alcohol:
- 13.5%
-
Mouton-Rothschild's upgrade in 1973 from second to first grand cru classé was as legitimate as it was deserved in view of the quality of its terroir, a plateau of 90 hectares of deep gravel to the north of Pauillac, with Lafite-Rothschild as a neighbor. Despite this promotion, and even though it regularly tops the rankings in tastings, Mouton-Rothschild remains to this day the least expensive of the Médoc's premier crus classés. Its powerful, full-bodied style and its ability to age well have led Mr. Bettane to write "perhaps the most formally perfect wine in the Médoc...".
The 2012 vintage « a major success of the vintage » has obtained 94/100 by Wine Advocate.
More- To keep or to drink:
- Ready to drink
- Apogée:
- 2019-2032
- Potential alcohol:
- 13%
-
Mouton-Rothschild's upgrade in 1973 from second to first grand cru classé was as legitimate as it was deserved in view of the quality of its terroir, a plateau of 90 hectares of deep gravel to the north of Pauillac, with Lafite-Rothschild as a neighbor. Despite this promotion, and even though it regularly tops the rankings in tastings, Mouton-Rothschild remains to this day the least expensive of the Médoc's premier crus classés. Its powerful, full-bodied style and its ability to age well have led Mr. Bettane to write "perhaps the most formally perfect wine in the Médoc...".
More- To keep or to drink:
- Ready to drink
- Apogée:
- 2020-2036
- Potential alcohol:
- 13%