Petrus 2008

Pomerol, First Growth

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Tasting Notes

Deep ruby-purple. Captivating aromas of blackberry, black cherry, flowers, licorice and Oriental spices are lifted by hints of white pepper and soy sauce. Rich and concentrated yet suave on entry, then sweet but with outstanding grip in the middle, with harmonious acidity providing terrific lift and definition to the multifaceted, opulent flavors of dark berries, mocha, iron and spices. This massive, exotic wine coats the entire palate without conveying any impression of weight; its remarkably smooth finish lasts for minutes. One of the top three wines of the vintage, and a remarkable Petrus.

Score: 95

Stephen Tanzer, Vinous.com 01 July 2011

Deep ruby-purple. Captivating aromas of blackberry, black cherry, flowers, licorice and Oriental spices are lifted by hints of white pepper and soy sauce. Rich and concentrated yet suave on entry, then sweet but with outstanding grip in the middle, with harmonious acidity providing terrific lift and definition to the multifaceted, opulent flavors of dark berries, mocha, iron and spices. This massive, exotic wine coats the entire palate without conveying any impression of weight; its remarkably smooth finish lasts for minutes. One of the top three wines of the vintage, and a remarkable Petrus. (95+ points)

Score: 95

Ian D'Agata, International Wine Cellar 01 July 2011

It is hard to call Petrus a 'sleeper of the vintage,' but the 2008 will merit more attention than most consumers would think. Low yields of 30 hectoliters per hectare resulted in only 25,000 bottles of this beauty. A wine of great intensity (possibly the most concentrated wine of the vintage), this 100% Merlot boasts a dark purple color as well as a sweet perfume of mocha, caramel, black cherries, black currants, earth and forest floor. Deep, unctuously textured, full-bodied and pure, it will benefit from 4-5 years of cellaring and should drink well for 25-30+ years.

Score: 97

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2015-2045 03 May 2011

The 2008 is destined to be one of the greatest Petrus’s ever made, ranking alongside the 1989, 1990, 1998, and 2000, and even eclipsing the 2005. An inky/red/purple color accompanies an unevolved, but promising nose of sweet red and black fruits intermixed with hints of earth, spice box, and caramel. It possesses a formidable personality of great intensity, awesome texture, amazingly well-integrated sweet tannin, and a freshness and precision that are hallmarks of this vintage. Given the tiny production, there will not be much of this sensational wine. Like most recent Petrus vintages, a decade of patience will be required despite the sweetness of the tannin. It should evolve for at least 50 years. Like the other top Moueix Pomerol properties, especially such top terroirs as Trotanoy, La Fleur Petrus, Hosanna, and La Providence, yields at Petrus were 28 hectoliters per hectare. This vineyard was harvested much like the proprietors of Yquem pick grapes, waiting for perfect maturity and selecting grape bunches as opposed to sending a team in and harvesting until the entire vineyard is picked. Petrus was harvested on six different days, September 29, October 1, 4, 7, 10, and 12.

Score: 98 - 100

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com 01 April 2009

This has texture and range that's a step up from the pack, with a gorgeous, silky feel to the ripe but restrained cherry, raspberry and damson plum notes that are layered with hints of black tea, incense and mineral. The long finish is more about poise than power. Lovely. Drink now through 2020.

Score: 93

James Molesworth, Wine Spectator Maturity: 2011-2020 30 April 2011

Tasted at the chateau with Olivier Berrouet, who confirmed that the Petrus 2008 was ‘seasoned’ with 1.5% Cabernet Franc and raised in 50% new and 50% one-fill barrels. Like nearby Lafleur, the nose is reticent at first, but then suddenly at around sixty second the bouquet blossoms to offer violets, fresh raspberry, cold limestone a slight savoury edge, perhaps engendered by the Cabernet Franc. The palate is medium-bodied with exceptionally fine balance, linear at first but my God, the back-palate does not know what has hit it! The 2008 has a multi-dimensional finish with cranberry, graphite, dark cherries, citrus peel and a tincture of liquorice. Incredible length, even following the Lafleur. Very fine cashmere texture and great length; this is one hell of a wine. Drink 2014-2030+ Tasted October 2010.

Score: 98

Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2014-2030+ 01 January 2011

Deep crimson. Not the freshest sample on the nose. Lots of power and wildness - really does taste as though it springs from the earth to heal sore throats everywhere. But it's a less civilised, less tamed expression than the Trotanoy tasted alongside. Very complex with a dry rather than sweet finish. Extremely complex rather than an easy charmer. Quite burly. (18+)

Score: 18

Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2018-2040 16 May 2009