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Tasting notes
I have never been a fan of the 1978 Petrus, but even I was ready to give it the benefit of doubt and be seduced when it was served out of an Imperial. The wine revealed a medium ruby color, followed by an herb, under-ripe tomato, vegetal nose, medium body, and average flavor concentration and length. It is neither distinguished nor Pomerol-like. It is hard to believe that auction prices for vintages such as 1978, or for that matter 1979, can remain so high, but Petrus has a mystique unlike any other red wine of France. ||The notes for this wine are taken from the description of Series VI - Flight A of the 1995 tasting conducted in Munich by Helga and Hardy Rodenstock. Many years after the tasting from which this note derives allegations were made concerning the authenticity of old and rare bottles of wine sold by Hardy Rodenstock to collectors around the world. The matter has been the subject of numerous articles, litigation and at least one book. Mr. Parker believes that the wines served to him at this tasting were authentic so this note and the others from that specific tasting continue to be posted on eRobertParker.com. Wine Advocate.February, 1996
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
Bottles of 1978 Petrus can be variable. I guess it depends on how you like your Pomerol. Here, served blind against the 1978 Hermitage La Chapelle, well, let's be honest, the Rhone is leaps and bounds superior. The Petrus is modest in terms of intensity, autumnal and a little leafy, a light marine influence developing with time and a hint of wild mint. The palate is medium-bodied with light tannin, balanced if lacking depth. There is harmony here, and a sense of honesty. There is nothing out of place, although it does come across as a wine content to be a second-tier Petrus. While not as good as the previous bottle I encountered over a decade ago, it is a decent Petrus that should be consumed over the next ten years. Tasted March 2014. Jul 2016, www.robertparker.com
About the producer
Ask any wine-lover to name the world’s greatest fine wines, and the answer will invariably include Pétrus.