Le Petit Mouton 2011

A wine with blueberry and currant character, and very firm tannins. It's full-bodied, with integrated tannins and a beautiful finish. Love the hazelnut and berry character. Second wine of Mouton. Better after 2019.

The Le Petit Mouton 2011 is a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot and includes some plots once destined for the Grand Vin. Tasted two weeks apart, the first sample in March 2012 has an opulent bouquet for the vintage with luscious cassis and raspberry aromas, struck through with creamy new oak (perhaps from the 60% new oak.) The second in April appears less extrovert but demonstrates better refinement. The palate has a sharp entry; indeed it is quite an angular primeur sample although there is patently a lot of fruit concentration. It has a fine graphite and bay leaf finish with a pointed citric edge. This is a tensile Le Petit Mouton, not exhibiting weight or power but more precision and Pauillac austerity. There is nothing wrong with that. Tasted April 2012.

The dark ruby-hued 2011 Le Petit Mouton reveals foresty, floral, and berry fruit notes, medium body, and a one-dimensional, but pleasant style. Consume it over the next 10-15 years.