The 2005 Le Petit Mouton has a very expressive, vivacious bouquet with dark cherries, tobacco and even a hint of violet plucked from Margaux. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, a little more structure than the 2010, supremely well detailed, but perhaps just missing the sustain of that aforementioned younger vintage. Still, this an extremely fine Le Petit Mouton drinking now and over the next 15-20 years. Tasted August 2016.

Licorice, mineral and currant aromas follow through to a medium-to-full body, with fine tannins and a mineral and currant aftertaste. Quite chewy. Best after 2011. -JS