1987 Petrus
Buying options
Tasting notes
The 1987 Petrus is a vintage that I have never tasted before and indeed, it is the first time it appears in the Vinous database. Being an off-vintage, you would expect it to be overwhelmed by the 1989 and 1990 tasted alongside. On the contrary, it holds its own in such auspicious company and even shows better than the disappointing 1985 and 1986. Quite deep in colour for a 1987 and showing less bricking than the 1985, it has an attractive bouquet with herbaceous black fruit, stewed black tea and autumn leaf aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with light tannin, a fine bead of acidity, touches of the Left Bank courtesy of a cedar note that pops up towards the straight-laced finish. Whilst no earth shattering experience, it is no more and no less than a delicious Pomerol to drink now. Tasted at the Petrus dinner at Hide restaurant in London.
Critic scores
Average Score
Wine Spectator
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
Given the past performance of Petrus in vintages such as 1980 and 1984, I would not be surprised to see the rating of the 1987 go up three or four points in 5-6 years. This is one of the most backward and full-bodied wines of the vintage, with a tremendous amount of tannic clout, yet excellent underlying power and body. The problem is that it is impossibly closed, almost impenetrable, suggesting that my score may be entirely too conservative. If you are a millionaire who wants to buy wine for a child born in 1987, this wine will still be in reasonable condition by the time he or she turns 21. Anticipated maturity: Now-2010. Last tasted, 11/90.
Elegant and silky, with lively one-dimensional tobacco and black olive aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied, with round tannins and forward flavors. Very drinkable now.--Pétrus vertical. Drink now through 1994. James Suckling, Wine Spectator 1991
The 1987, one of the most backward and full-bodied wines of the vintage, with a tremendous amount of tannic clout, yet excellent underlying power and body, remains closed. It is medium to full-bodied, with a reticent bouquet of vanillin, herbs, and sweet black fruit, and a long, firm finish. If you are a millionaire who wants to buy wine for a child born in 1987, this wine will still be in reasonable condition by the time he or she turns twenty-one. Anticipated maturity: 1997-2010. Last tasted, 5/93. Aug 1993, 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.