The 2023 Le Petit Mouton, a Bordeaux blend from the renowned Pauillac sub-region, has garnered considerable acclaim from wine critics. This vintage, produced by Le Petit Mouton, is predominantly composed of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot. The wine is noted for its deep garnet-purple color and is sealed with a traditional cork closure.
James Suckling, in his review dated April 22, 2024, awarded the wine an impressive 96 points. He described it as “tighter and more compact” with a “full-bodied, compact palate that is framed nicely by the tannins.” Suckling emphasized its “savory and juicy” character, noting that it is “structured” and “contained,” suggesting it might be superior to the 2022 vintage.
Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, represented by William Kelley, gave the wine a score of 93 points. Kelley highlighted its “aromas of dark berries, cassis, and cigar wrapper,” and praised its “good depth and density” with a “lively core of fruit framed by sweet, powdery tannins.” He also mentioned the wine’s “penetrating finish.”
Lisa Perrotti-Brown from The Wine Independent echoed similar sentiments, also scoring the wine 93 points. She noted its “powerful scents of cassis, plum preserves, and tar,” and described the medium-bodied palate as “soft and refreshing, with just enough mid-palate fruit and a mineral-laced finish.”
Antonio Galloni of Vinous was particularly enthusiastic, scoring it 95 points and commenting that the 2023 Le Petit Mouton “could easily be a Grand Vin at another address.” Galloni praised its “rich, ample, and beautifully resonant” presence, with notes of “dark red cherry, pomegranate, cinnamon, rose petal, and new leather.”
Jane Anson, giving the wine 94 points, described it as having “slate and grip” with “plenty of black chocolate, damson, black cherry, signature cocoa bean, espresso, and salted cracker.” She remarked on its classical nature with a “serious backbone.”
Jeb Dunnuck and Jeff Leve also provided high praise, each scoring the wine 94-95 points. Dunnuck described it as “inky hued” with “cassis, currant, spicy oak, lead pencil, and smoke-driven aromas and flavors,” while Leve noted its “length, purity, and freshness” with a promising longevity from 2028 to 2050.
Decanter’s review added that the wine is “quite medicinal on the nose with a vibrant purple color to the rim,” describing it as “juicy and fun” with hints of “steely minerality, cool blueberries, crisp cranberries, and sweet strawberries.”
Overall, the 2023 Le Petit Mouton is highly regarded for its depth, structure, and balanced complexity, making it a noteworthy addition to any wine enthusiast’s collection.