1971 PETRUS 1971

(07-2014) This rich, fresh monster was fabulous. My only criticism is that serving it as the twelfth wine in a dinner line-up was not giving us the treat of enjoying it when our taste buds were at their freshest. It had the life, sap and savour that the 1975, glorious as it was, lacked. I think this wine may just go on and on and on. Surely the best 1971 known to wine-drinking man? Or woman.

(01-1998) This is a sensational Petrus that has drunk well since the mid-1970s. Plumgarnet in color with noticeable orange at the rim, the chocolate, mocha, sweet, fruit-scented bouquet is followed by a rich, velvety, full-bodied wine with layers of silky fruit. The 1971 must surely be the wine of the vintage. Light to moderate tannins and high alcohol will continue to preserve this plump, unctuous wine for another decade. This is Petrus at its most seductive.

(01-2017) It is not often I get to taste Petrus, especially with bottle age, so this was an unexpected treat. The wine is all about the opulent, dense, sensuous textures. The fruit is ample, the nose, with its truffle essence is compelling, but it is the unique, mouth feel that separates this from most other wines, as it combines density, freshness, opulence and harmony. Fully mature.

 (09-2007)

(11-1990)