Le Petit Mouton 2020

Lots of violets, blackberries, bark and iodine. Oyster shell. Full-bodied. Firm and velvety tannins with a long and satisfying finish. Juicy and reserved at the end. Chewy and soft. Needs time to open. First growth. 72% cabernet sauvignon, 24% merlot and 4% cabernet franc. Drink after 2030.

The 2020 Le Petit Mouton benefits from the fact that the grand vin this year derives almost exclusively from the estate's core gravel terraces, meaning that many parcels that were included in, for example, the 2018 Mouton ended up in the Petit Mouton in 2020. Offering up aromas of cassis, cigar wrapper and violets, it's medium to full-bodied, fleshy and enveloping, with a broad attack and a layered, concentrated mid-palate.

The 2020 Le Petit Mouton de Mouton Rothschild is a blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, and 4% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-purple colored, it rolls effortlessly out of the glass with gregarious notions of blackberry pie, redcurrant jelly, and garrigue, plus nuances of crushed rocks, tar, and dried Provence herbs. The medium-bodied palate reveals very fine-grained tannins and plenty of freshness to back up the delicate red and black fruits, finishing on an earthy note.

This delivers the expected glamour of Petit Mouton, although more reserved than in vintages such as 2015 or 2018. It retains a silk and satin touch to the tannins, and a ton of black cherry puree, spiced cocoa bean, coffee, liqourice root and campfire smoke. Deep, rich and enticing, the tannins are ripe but they have intent - this is a Petit Mouton to age. Think 8 to 10 years minimum. 50% new oak. Harvest September 7 to 24.