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Tasting Notes
Very lively and invigorating, delivering flavors of raspberry ganache, briar, bay and red licorice. Shows ample energy, with mouthwatering acidity coursing along. Displays power but not aggression. Despite the briary tannins, this delivers excellent range and length. Tasted non-blind. WineSpectator.com —J.M.
Critic Scores
Average Score
Wine Spectator
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
One of the stars of the vintage, the wine (100% Merlot) has exceptional concentration, stunning purity, an inky purple color and a broad, expansive mouthfeel. Not a bit heavy, cloying or overwrought, this is a stunning Petrus (licorice, blackcurrants and truffles dominate) that will probably hit full maturity in 8-10 years and last 25-35. Another great example of this mythical wine that few can afford, virtually no one drinks, but everyone talks about! Relatively high in alcohol at 14.5%, the crop was tiny because of the spring’s poor flowering in this sector of Pomerol.| eRobertParker.com.April, 2015
The shows fabulous length with a chocolate, berry and mineral undertone. Licorice and currants too. Full body yet refined with seamless tannins. Goes on for minutes. It shows such amazing length and elegance. Depth. Phenomenal structure here, especially for the vintage. Reminds me of the 1998 or 1971, which were structured yet very fine. James Suckling, jamessuckling.com
Tasted blind at the Southwold 2012 tasting, the 2012 Petrus demonstrated a forward, fruit-driven, ripe raspberry and wild strawberry bouquet underneath which lies graphite and forest floor aromas. It seems refined, understated, nonchalant even. The palate is medium-bodied with a slightly savory opening, as if there was a tiny drop of Cabernet Franc. The tannins are fine but firm, the red fruit infused with cooked meat, black pepper and sage notes, although I was anticipating a finish armed with more body. That may well develop in time, yet it remains a regal Pomerol that will probably merit a higher score with bottle age, hence the plus-sign against the score. Tasted January 2016. Oct 2016, www.robertparker.com, Drink: 2020-2045
About the producer
Ask any wine-lover to name the world’s greatest fine wines, and the answer will invariably include Pétrus.