2012 Le Petit Mouton
By Chateau Mouton Rothschild
2012 Le Petit Mouton from Château Mouton Rothschild, Pauillac, Bordeaux
The resolute character of the 2012 vintage in Bordeaux lends itself to the profound essence of the 2012 Le Petit Mouton from Château Mouton Rothschild. This particular year stands out in the lineage of vintages for its early promise and remarkable development. The challenging climatic conditions resulted in wines that required meticulous care, bringing forth a blend that is both assertive and splendidly nuanced.
Artistry in the Vineyard Yields Investment-Grade Vintage
In 2012, an uneven budding season followed by a summer that flirted with extremes called for vigilant vineyard management at Pauillac—a task to which Château Mouton Rothschild rose with customary grace. The resultant Le Petit Mouton exemplifies the deft handling of such variables; a testament to the artistry of the viticulturists at this famed estate. Among discerning collectors, such vintages often pique interest as they represent both a challenge overcome and an opportunity for wise investment.
The 2012 Le Petit Mouton reveals an eloquent structure encapsulated by vibrant tannins that have rounded sublimely with age. Its bouquet is an orchestration of dark fruits interlaced with hints of earth and spice—a sensory palette reflecting the tapestry of the Pauillac terroir that is both classic and, in this year, singularity defined.
Legacy and Longevity Align
For those engaged in fine wine investment, the hallmark of this 2012 vintage is not merely in its current expression but also its potential longevity. Resilient yet approachable now, this blend is poised to reach new pinnacles of complexity given time’s passage. With notes of cassis and blackberry enrobed by subtle oak influences, it speaks volumes about the meticulous curation of grapes under unpredictable weather patterns.
Indeed, the narrative of the 2012 Le Petit Mouton from Château Mouton Rothschild is one of overcoming adversity—yielding a robust libation ideal for those knowledgeable in the alchemy between vine and clime. As the wine continues its evolution, a wealth of pleasure awaits those who afford it due patience—an attribute shared by distinguished wines and savvy investors alike.
In summation, while some vintages trumpet their glory from release, others like this remarkable 2012 Le Petit Mouton simmer with promise beneath the surface—offering a trajectory that is just as compelling in glass as it is within one's portfolio.
Market price (GBP)
£2,200.00
12x75cl
Highest score
91
POP score
200
Scores and tasting notes
The 2012 Le Petit Mouton represents 38% of the crop, which is much higher than the normal 25% that usually makes it into the second wine. Composed of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc, it reveals similar black currant liqueur notes, but they are less intense and pervasive. Administrator Philippe Dhalluin has fashioned a wonderfully opulent, round, juicy Petit Mouton exhibiting plenty of chocolaty notes intermixed with a subtle hint of oak offered in a lush, easily understood style. Enjoy this charming, endearing Le Petit Mouton over the next 15+ years. Mouton Rothschild has produced one of the vintage's most profound wines in 2012, and possibly the -wine of the Medoc.- About 49% of the production made it into the 2012 Mouton, which is a blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc. The harvest took place during the middle two weeks of October. This may be one of the few 2012s that comes close to equaling what was achieved in both 2009 and 2010, two far superior vintages.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #206
The 2012 Le Petit Mouton de Rothschild (79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc) shows loads of charcoal, burning embers, a nice hint of dark chocolate and blackcurrants. It is fleshy and medium-bodied, with up-front fruit and density. This second wine of Mouton has certainly gone from strength to strength under the administration of Philippe Dhalluin. Drink it over the next 15-20 years.
Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 29 April 2015
Tasted twice en primeur at Mouton-Rothschild. The Petit Mouton is a blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc. It has a very austere nose for Petit Mouton with strong dry tobacco and graphite aromas – more like Latour than Mouton! The palate is medium-bodied with juicy black fruit laced with minerals and tobacco. This has impressive volume and length for a Le Petit Mouton with a sweet finish of small dark cherries and hints of vanilla pod. It displays fine delineation throughout. It will not be a long-term wine, but it should offer much pleasure from five or six years. Tasted April 2013.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal May 2013
Some herbal and chocolate character with good fruit. Spices and tobacco too. Medium-to-full body. Second wine of Mouton. 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Franc.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, April 21st 2013