1999 Le Petit Mouton
By Chateau Mouton Rothschild
1999 Le Petit Mouton from Château Mouton Rothschild, Pauillac, Bordeaux
The venerable 1999 vintage of Le Petit Mouton from Château Mouton Rothschild captures the essence of a Bordeaux epoch that simultaneously intrigues with its complexity and charms with its approachability. In a vintage often overshadowed by its legendary neighbors from the late '90s, it is essential to delve into the nuances that imbue this particular offering with its rightful prestige.
An Embodiment of Texture and Terroir
The 1999 vintage in Pauillac experienced climatic generosity resulting in wines of excellent structure and balance. This fortune is eloquently reflected in the firm tannins and ripe fruit profile of the '99 Le Petit Mouton. It emanates a divine fusion of cassis, plums, and tobacco - a tapestry woven with precision, showcasing the impeccable Pauillac terroir.
A Vintage Defining Investment Worthy Elegance
Favorably weathered, the 1999 harvest yielded grapes that benefited from a dry September, ensuring concentration and poise. As a second wine from the illustrious Château Mouton Rothschild, it resonates with investors seeking both exquisite pedigree and value-proposition finesse. This is a vintage that prudently rewards patience while being accessible enough to reveal many of its virtues in the nearer term.
To sip the 1999 Le Petit Mouton is to experience a splendid interplay between maturity and vigor. A wine reflecting shadowy whispers of olfactory elegance is balanced by an energetic palate presenting vibrant fruit notes amidst a backdrop of judicious oak integration. Collectors discerning enough to appreciate under-the-radar vintages will find solace in this astute investment piece.
In summation, the 1999 Le Petit Mouton mirrors a chapter of Bordeaux magic that connoisseurs recognize as one brimming with subtle complexities. A contemplative narrative of grape, soil, and climate lives within each bottle. It’s an exquisite chapter from wine investment lore; indeed, one that deserves its place on the esteemed shelf of vinous accolades.
Market price (HKD)
HK$13,550.00
12x75cl
Highest score
88
POP score
177.5
Scores and tasting notes
The 1999 Le Petit Mouton was made in limited quantities (30,000 bottles). It is a ripe, seductive, low acid, plump effort. The wine is a blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc. This fleshy second wine offers notes of mocha, spice box, cassis, and oak. It will drink well for 10-15 years.
Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 29 April 2002
Tasted at the Claret Club Mouton-Rothschild dinner. From magnum, the '99 Le Petit Mouton has blackberry leaf, Dorset plum and a touch of blueberry jam on the nose. The palate is medium-bodied with tensile, steely tannins , a slight metallic edge marring the jewel-like finish. Perhaps another year would benefit this wine (at least in magnum)? Tasted November 2010.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal May 2011