2022 Le Petit Mouton - 1er OHK

The 2022 Le Petit Mouton has an intense bouquet with violet infused cassis and blackberry fruit, just a faint touch of Medjool dates in the background. It opens extremely confidently in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins. Structured, granular in texture and multi-layered, it's quite difficult to recognize this as a mere Deuxieme Vin. Long on the aftertaste, this is an outstanding Le Petit Mouton.

- Neal Martin (04/2023)

The Petit Mouton is more and more structured and intense. It's made for the cellar. Full to medium body. Lively and intense. Solid. 71% cabernet sauvignon, 19% merlot, 7% cabernet franc, and 3% petit verdot. (04/2023)

Tasting more like a Grand Vin than a second wine, the 2022 Le Petit Mouton De Mouton Rothschild boasts a deep purple hue to go with full-bodied aromas and flavors of cassis, ripe blackberries, melted chocolate, espresso, and graphite. Rich, opulent, and still balanced, drink this sexy 2022 any time over the coming 15-20 years. The blend of the 2022 is 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot that's still resting in 60% new barrels. (05/2023)

Made from 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot, the 2022 Le Petit Mouton de Mouton Rothschild is deep garnet-purple colored. It needs considerable swirling to unlock notes of creme de cassis, stewed plums, and black cherries, with hints of charcoal, wood smoke, black olives, and tar. The medium to full-bodied palate is jam packed with black fruit and earthy layers, framed by firm, grainy tannins and just enough freshness, finishing on a lingering aniseed note. pH 3.86, TPI 80. (05/2023)

Representing some 29% of the estate's production this year, the 2022 Le Petit Mouton shares much of the character of the grand vin, offering up a rich bouquet of cassis, dark berries, espresso roast and cigar wrapper, followed by a medium to full-bodied, velvety and layered palate that's fleshy and concentrated, with powdery tannins and an expansive finish.

- William Kelley (04/2023)