In the glass
Aroma: mulberry, dark cherry, violet, truffle, chocolate, smoke, Asian spice
Palate: black plum, wild strawberry, blackberry, licorice, graphite, espresso
100% Merlot from 11.4 ha of blue clay at Pomerol's centre. Silk-and-velvet texture with truffle, chocolate, and dark cherry at its core; structurally imposing yet hedonistic, with a finish that stretches for minutes.
What it pairs with
-
Truffle-rubbed beef tenderloin
The wine's truffle register mirrors the earthy garnish; ripe Merlot tannins cut cleanly through the butter sauce. -
Aged Comté or Mimolette
Crystalline nutty cheeses amplify the chocolate and spice notes without fighting the wine's weight. -
Roasted Bresse pigeon with black cherry jus
The dark-fruit palate and gentle iron minerality complement the gamey sweetness of the bird. -
Wild mushroom risotto with Parmesan
Earthy porcini and truffle echo the wine's secondary aromatics; the creaminess softens tannin.
History
Records of Petrus date to the mid-1750s, but the estate rose to international fame after Mme. Edmond Loubat became sole owner in 1945 and promoted it at top Paris restaurants. Jean-Pierre Moueix acquired a half-share in 1969; the Moueix family retains control today under Jean-Francois Moueix. Olivier Berrouet succeeded his father Jean-Claude as winemaker in 2008. The entire Cabernet Franc was progressively replaced with Merlot from the late 2000s.
- 1878 — Gold medal at the Paris Exposition Universelle, first Pomerol wine to command Medoc second-growth prices
- 1945 — Mme. Loubat becomes sole owner; the modern era of Petrus begins
- 1969 — Jean-Pierre Moueix acquires a half-share; distribution through Etablissements Jean-Pierre Moueix, Libourne
- 2008 — Olivier Berrouet takes over from his father Jean-Claude as head winemaker
Facts
- Producer
- Petrus
- Grapes
- Merlot (100%)
- Classification
- Pomerol AOC (unclassified)
- Oak
- 18-20 months in 50% new French oak barrels
- ABV
- 14.0%
- Production
- 30,000 bottles
- Price
- €6000-8500 at retail
- Drinking window
- 10-40 from vintage
- First vintage
- 1878
Scores
- Wine Advocate 100 (2000 vintage, reviewed 2003)
- Wine Advocate 100 (1998 vintage, reviewed 2001)
- Wine Advocate 100 (2010 vintage, reviewed 2013)