2021, Petit Mouton de Mouton Rothschild, PAUILLAC

Bordeaux Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot.

Beautifully fragrant strawberries and red cherries, just so perfumed and appealing, really a very lovely nose drawing you in. An excellent Petit Mouton in 2021; serious intensity here but also such a liveliness as well as creaminess. It has weight and layers while having fruit intensity and a core of aromatics. There's a softness and delicacy in terms of the tannins and frame - beguiling - but a real base of concentrated blue, red and black fruits - strawberries, red cherries and blackcurrants. It's uber glamorous, still with freshness and lift. A gorgeous wine with lots going on! 92 Georgina Hindle, Decanter.

Representing 40% of the total volume, a little more than usual, the 2021 Le Petit-Mouton, is aged in 50% new oak. A very Cabernet nose with conspicuous graphite scents infusing the black fruit, a little Earl Grey in the background. The palate is medium-bodied with a fleshy opening, not amazingly complex but well balanced with fine tannins and just a pinch of black pepper on the finish. Classic in style, it should give 15-20 years of drinking pleasure. 90-92 Neal Martin.

Beautifully rich and ripe, with sweet black cherry and raspberry fruits, and soft tannins that are earthy and supple. This is an excellent Petit Mouton that delivers consistency in an inconsistent year, managing to exert a gentle pressure of grilled oak without pushing too hard - one of the best 2nd wines of the year. 92 Jane Anson.