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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
Sauternes
BEL ORME TRONQUOY DE LALANDE 1997
Haut Medoc
Pauillac
Saint Emilion
Margaux
Pauillac
CHÂTEAU MOUTON ROTHSCHILD 1997
Pauillac
Champagne
(2012)
The 1997 Petrus had a nice nose with pleasant plum, cocoa and mineral aromas along with touches of olive and saddle, and a pinch of greenness. At age fifteen, the ’97 seemed to be hitting its sweet spot. The palate was lighter than the average Petrus, but it was soft and tasty with cherry flavors. James admired its ‘black olives, meat and chocolate’ and found it almost Burgundian in character. While it didn’t have the richness of a great Petrus, it gained a bit in the glass and was quite pleasing overall.
The backward 1997 (2,300 cases produced) needs 3-4 years of cellaring. The dense plumrubypurple color is accompanied by a closed bouquet of mocha, dried tomato skin, and black fruits. In the mouth, it is one of the most muscular 1997s, exhibiting outstanding concentration, length, intensity, and depth, copious tannin, and a fine mouth-feel.
This is a forgotten Pétrus. Good dark color, with lovely plum and light raspberry aromas. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a fresh, fruity finish. A beauty. Fresh and long. Slightly better than when I tasted it a few years back.
Not as deep as expected and plummy coloured; better flavour than nose which I had given my lowest points. Medium sweet, rather coarse fruit.