2009 Le Petit Mouton

The 2009 Le Petit Mouton de Mouton Rothschild is shockingly good, and I'd wager this second wine is better than many vintages of the Grand Vin in the past. Deep ruby/plum-hued, with a ripe, up-front, expressive bouquet of currants, toasted spice, chocolate, and tobacco, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a lush, rounded mouthfeel, beautiful tannins, and a great finish.

I'm not sure that there is a more festive wine in Bordeaux than le Petit Mouton, with its beautifully cheerful label, and its consistently seductive character. You can expect layers of damson, black cherry, grilled vanilla bean, sandalwood, incense and liquorice root, lusciously velvety tannins, balanced with fresh acidities, slate and crushed rock minerality. At this point, in 2009, Philippe Dhalluin had been technical director since 2004, and was producing exceptional wines. Harvest September 23 to October 13. 60% new oak.

The 2009 Le Petit Mouton is deep garnet colored and saunters out of the glass with bold black cherries, warm cassis and plum preserves notions plus hints of menthol, sassafras, black pepper and tobacco. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is completely coated with generous black fruits, framed by plush tannins and oodles of freshness, finishing long.