An accessible expression of the Mouton Rothschild style, Le Petit Mouton 2021 asserts itself as a Pauillac cuvée with a noble temperament, crafted for enthusiasts seeking the balance of precision, energy and elegance. In this vintage of classic freshness, the wine shows pure, luminous fruit supported by a finely structured tannic framework. The nobility of the dominant Cabernet Sauvignon interweaves with the softness of Merlot and the spicy lift of the complementary varieties to create a highly harmonious composition. Every step of the making, from hand harvesting to barrel ageing, contributes to preserving aromatic integrity and length on the palate. On the nose and palate, you find Pauillac's signature: a subtle dialogue of blackcurrant, cedar and light tobacco, crossed by a menthol touch that marks the house. Served attentively or allowed to develop in the cellar, this wine delivers a moment of bright indulgence, between intensity and finesse.

Assemblage et vinification

The 2021 brings together about 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19.5% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and a touch of Petit Verdot. This grape-by-grape architecture sets the tone: Médoc straightness, a juicy mid-palate and an extended finish. The grapes, hand-harvested in small crates, are carefully sorted before fermentation on the estate, in oak vats. The élevage follows Bordeaux tradition, in oak barrels, to refine the tannins and add delicate wooded accents without ever masking the purity of the fruit. The result combines structure, freshness and depth, with a moderate alcohol level of around 13% vol that enhances the vintage's balance.

Notes de dégustation

• Appearance: Deep garnet with carmine highlights, clear and luminous, announcing a masterfully controlled concentration.
• Nose: A brilliant bouquet of blackcurrant, currant and blackberry, lifted by peony, fresh mint and nuances of cedar, cigar box and light tobacco, with a hint of graphite.
• Palate: Precise, sapid attack, ample mid-palate, ripe and chiselled tannins. Dark fruits mingle with chalky and mentholated notes; the finish is long, straight and fresh.

Serving temperature and advice

Serve at 15.5 °C in large-bowled glasses to favour the expression of the bouquet and the delicacy of the tannins. When young, a decanting of several hours helps to soften the structure and open the aromas. Store bottles lying down, away from light and temperature fluctuations, for harmonious evolution. The ageing potential extends into the medium and long term, with a particularly favourable drinking window between 2026 and 2045, depending on your preference for tertiary complexity.

Food pairings

• Red meats: grilled ribeye, aged côte de boeuf, beef fillet with reduced jus.
• Lamb: Pauillac-style rack of lamb roasted with fine herbs and reduced jus.
• Game: roasted pigeon, venison with lingonberries, well-balanced pepper sauce.
• Stews and sauced dishes: Bordelaise daube, braised chuck, wine reduction.
• Cheeses: aged Comté, mountain tomme, extra-old mimolette.

Tasting occasions

Le Petit Mouton 2021 accompanies your special moments and shared dinners with panache. It suits both the excitement of a first encounter with Pauillac and the informed pleasure of a seasoned enthusiast. In the cellar, it makes an excellent addition to a collection, promising to evolve towards complex, harmonious nuances.

• A gourmet dinner where the precision of a great Bordeaux enhances the dish.
• An occasion to celebrate, with a wine of prestigious pedigree and exemplary presence.
• A gift for a connoisseur that blends history, style and Bordeaux elegance.

Caractéristiques

• Nom : Le Petit Mouton de Mouton Rothschild 2021
• Appellation : Pauillac AOC
• Type : Dry red wine
• Millésime : 2021
• Cépages : Cabernet Sauvignon about 77%, Merlot 19.5%, Cabernet Franc 3%, touch of Petit Verdot
• Degré d’alcool : about 13% vol
• Vinification : fermentations at the estate in oak vats
• Élevage : in oak barrels following Bordeaux tradition
• Contenance : 75 cl
• Garde : enjoyable from 2026 to 2045
• Température de service : 15.5 °C
• Producteur : Baron Philippe de Rothschild S.A.
• Statut : second wine of Château Mouton Rothschild
• Origine : Pauillac, Médoc, left bank of Bordeaux