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..
Pessac Leognan
DOMAINE DE MARCOUX Vieilles Vignes 1998
Châteauneuf du Pape
CHÂTEAU GRAND PUY LACOSTE 1998
Pauillac
Saint Julien
Saint Emilion
Saint Julien
Margaux
The 1998 Petrus is unquestionably a fabulous effort boasting a dense plumpurple color as well as an extraordinary nose of black fruits intermixed with caramel, mocha, and vanilla. Exceptionally pure, super-concentrated, and extremely full-bodied, with admirable underlying acidity as well as sweet tannin, it reveals a superb mid-palate in addition to the luxurious richness for which this great property is known. The finish lasts for 40-45 seconds.
(2-2014)
(2-2014)
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.
Fantastic. Dark ruby color with hints of purple. Glorious aromas of blackberry, tobacco, cedar and slightly wet earth. Full-bodied, with supersilky tannins and a fabulous finish. This is subtle and refined. Wonderful length. Tasted side by side with the 2000 Pétrus, it is clearly better. Today, I give it two points higher than previous tastings. Perfection.