Le Petit Mouton de Mouton Rothschild 2024 en Primeur

Violets and blackcurrants on the nose, smells ripe and quite heady - an air of sexiness about this. Some caramel, cedar and black chocolate too. Unctuous and ripe in the mouth, this has chewy tannins and lively acidity which really makes this zingy and focussed on the palate. A good balance between ripe fruit, fine tannins and subtle power ending in liquorice, black chocolate and toast. Structured and massy but in keeping with the vintage, not heavy or dense but so much flavour here. 2% Petit Verdot completes the blend. Ageing 50% new barrels, 18 months. 3.62pH. (Georgina Hindle)

Dark ruby, opaque core, purple reflections, subtle brightening on the rim. Fine combination of cassis, roasted aromas and nougat with undertones of blackberry confit, candied orange zest. Medium complexity, fresh cherries, red berry nuances, fresh and persistent, appears light-footed, mineral and salty on the finish. (Peter Moser)

The 2023 Le Petit-Mouton is being matured in 50% new oak for a planned 18 months. It has an attractive, understated bouquet with pencil shavings and cedar-tinged black fruit—not as complex as the 2022, but refined. Two weeks later the nose demonstrates just a soupçon more éclat [brightness]. The palate is medium-bodied and harmonious with crisp acidity on the entry, dashes of spice and black pepper on the back-palate and moderate length on the linear finish. Give this three or four years in bottle. (Neal Martin)

Already some spices from oak showing here with blue cassis fruit underneath. Juicy and fresh in the mouth with hints of redcurrant and rhubarb. The acceptable face of greenness and with enough blue fruit to support. Sappy finish and bright tannins. Already a bit Pauillac-y and will be very claret-y. Should be good value mid-term drinking.