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.

Fleshy and inviting, with dense but accessible layers of dark fig, plum, prune cake and roasted espresso, all framed on the finish by a lingering singed cedar edge. This has grip, but it's still approachable now. Drink now through 2020. -JM

89-91 Barrel sample. Very spicy fruit, with lots of blackcurrant character, very fresh with light tannins. There is a streak of ginger right through the wine, finishing with lively acidity.——R.V.(3/10/2011)—— 90