2003 Le Petit Mouton de Mouton Rothschild

Mouton Rothschild is undoubtedly the most flamboyant of the four fantastic wines of Médoc, both in its style and presentation. Mouton Rothschild has always been decidedly more modern than its neighbors, perpetually seeking concentration and richness. With its artistic flair, this wonderful Pauillac draws attention to the wines of Bordeaux, it has long been a standard-bearer for the region's chateaux.

Pauillac, a jewel in the Médoc region of Bordeaux, France, is renowned for its exceptional red wines. This prestigious appellation boasts three of the five Bordeaux First Growths: Châteaux Lafite Rothschild, Latour, and Mouton Rothschild. Pauillac's terroir, defined by well-drained gravel soils, is ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon, the dominant grape in local blends. The wines are characteristically full-bodied, tannic, and complex, offering flavors of black currant, cedar, and tobacco, with remarkable aging potential. Pauillac's unique microclimate, influenced by the nearby Gironde estuary, ensures consistent quality. The appellation's powerful, elegant, and long-lived wines have cemented its status as a paragon of Bordeaux reds, often commanding some of the highest prices in the world.

Château Mouton Rothschild's terroir exemplifies the best of Pauillac. Its 84-hectare vineyard sits on a well-drained, deep gravel plateau, forcing vines to root deeply for nutrients and water, resulting in concentrated grapes. The proximity to the Gironde estuary creates a moderating microclimate, while the vineyard's slight elevation ensures optimal sun exposure and air circulation. This terroir particularly favors Cabernet Sauvignon, the dominant grape variety. The poor, gravelly soil naturally limits yields, contributing to the wine's intensity and longevity. This unique combination of soil, climate, and topography enables Mouton Rothschild to consistently produce powerful, elegant, and age-worthy wines that epitomize the Pauillac style and justify its First Growth status.