95-100 / 100
Noncontractual photograph
The Petrus estate derives its name from a village called "Petrus". Its history is recent and yet this wine is already a legend. Throughout the nineteenth century the area belonged to the Arnaud family. In 1925, a woman from the Libourne region, Ms. Loubat, takes shares in the property. Twenty years later she is the sole owner. Understanding that the wines of the Medoc sell for more than wines of Pomerol, in particular her wines, she did everything she could to take advantage of such a promising terroir. In a few decades the myth was born. In 1961, Mrs Lacoste and Mr. Lignac, niece and nephew of Mrs. Loubat inherit the estate.The vineyard is based on the highest hill of the designation, culminating at an altitude of 40 meters. The soil consists mainly of clay which is well suited to Merlot which constitutes 95% of the plantings. The 12 hectares are the subject of constant work and a constant obsession with détail. It is thought that Pétrus is more accessible to tasting than some of its illustrious colleagues..
Pauillac
Pauillac
CHÂTEAU BASTOR LAMONTAGNE 1989
Sauternes
Margaux
Saint Estèphe
Pauillac
Saint Julien
Margaux
CHÂTEAU HAUT-BAGES AVEROUS 1989
Pauillac
(10-2004) I have always loved this wine. It's a giant, yet also sophisticated and reserved. Still dark-ruby colored, with beautiful aromas of fruits and spices. Full-bodied, with opulent fruit and a depth of flavor that lasts for minutes on the palate. Loads of tobacco and fruit
(04-2013) Tasted at Benoit restaurant in New York. The Petrus 1989 is a truly awesome Pomerol. Here it has a compelling, multi-dimensional, pristine bouquet with intense red fruit loaded with minerals, faint touches of black truffle and bay leaf, a hint of clove and warm brick. You can feel the warmth of the summer but it possesses quite awe-inspiring delineation. The palate is medium-bodied, the tannins having softened in recent years but still it retains that symmetrical structure and focus that is totally bewitching. Yet it all seems so effortless, so that you almost do not sense that power unless you really focus upon it. The finish fans out with hints of graphite coming through the layers of mellow red and black fruit laced with clove and just a faint hint of peppermint, whilst the finish is virtually endless. This is an extraordinary Petrus. Tasted April 2013.
Acker Merrall & Condit (02-2014) Although it wasn’t universally accepted as such, the 1989 Petrus was my wine of the night. The 1989 Petrus will go down as one of the Big John Studd wines of all-time. We’re talking Secretariat on his farm, wearing his wreaths the year after he won the Triple Crown, collecting checks for filling the fillies. Yeah, that kind of good. Its nose was Deep Purple, as in the fruit and the rock stars. Big, rich and creamy, this wasn’t rich, this was wealthy. Its acidity could not be denied as the longest and strongest, and anise added just the right amount of kink. Of course, The Inspector was the one who couldn’t deal with this young behemoth, even though I know he is a secret Bordeaux lover lol.
(01-2016)
(09-2007)