Petrus, Pomerol, 2010

Critic Review

Bordeaux 2010: All That Glitters... (May 2011)

(14.5% alcohol; 100% merlot; 50% new oak) Good, fully saturated ruby. Complex, brooding nose offers aromas of ripe plum, blackberry jam, violet, cocoa syrup and Oriental spices; though deep and opulent, the nose is much less forward and exotic than either the 2008 or 2009. The palate offers outstanding intensity to the blackcurrant, cocoa and spice flavors, but this very densely packed Petrus manages to remain light on its feet. Saturates the entire mouth, finishing with very creamy tannins and great lift. A big wine that reminded me of the 1975. Jean-Claude Berrouet liked this comparison, noting that both vintages produced berries with the same thick skins, and wines with similar acidity levels, but pointed out that the 2010 is less accessible than the 1975 was at the same stage of development. There's also more alcohol in the 2010. Wine lovers with very deep pockets might want to take note that the '09 (the wine of that vintage, in my book) and '10 Petrus are this property's best back-to-back duo in some time.

Ian d'Agata - 96-99

Squares & Circles: Bordeaux ‘10 At Ten (Apr 2020)

The 2010 Petrus has a tough job following on from Le Pin in the sense that it is habitually more introspective, less flamboyant than its Pomerol counterpart. The bouquet is mercurial, initially quite rich and forward but then backing down, becoming more discreet with loam-tinged red fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, plenty of ferrous red berry fruit and a broody finish. This is an intellectual Right Bank wine that constantly teases in the glass. Fabulous. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners 10-Year On Bordeaux horizontal.

Neal Martin - 96

Squares & Circles: Bordeaux ‘10 At Ten (Apr 2020)

The 2010 Petrus has an extraordinary bouquet, ineffably complex with brambly red fruit, sous-bois, dried blood and wild mint aromas that unfurl magically from the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, fleshy and generous, yet amazingly controlled with such tension and grace on the silky smooth finish. This is a fantastic Petrus, one of the greatest in recent years. Tasted from an ex-château bottle at the BI Wines & Spirits 10-Year On tasting.

Neal Martin - 98

The 2010 Clarets: A Modern Classic (Jul 2013)

Fully saturated ruby. Knockout aromas of fresh black cherry, blackcurrant, exotic herbs, coffee and menthol, plus a hint of minerality. Juicy, fruit-driven flavors of dark berries and cherry are complicated by cocoa, vanilla and graphite and given laser-like precision by vibrant, harmonious acidity. Manages to be both fleshy and acidic at the same time, demonstrating uncanny depth and complexity of flavor. This strikes me as deeper and longer than the already magnificent 2009: it may well turn out to be the wine of the vintage. These two wines from Petrus make for an outstanding, back-to-back pair of vintages.

Stephen Tanzer - 98

Petrus: The Jewel of Pomerol

Nestled in the heart of the Libournais vineyard in Bordeaux lies the illustrious wine estate of Petrus, spanning 11.3 hectares and renowned for producing some of the world's most sought-after Pomerol wines. This region, exclusively dedicated to red wine, is celebrated for its unique terroir and exceptional grape varieties, particularly Merlot, which thrives in the area’s distinctive clay soils.

A Brief History

The history of Petrus is both fascinating and relatively recent. The name "Petrus," which might evoke Roman origins or pay homage to Saint Peter, is shrouded in mystery, as there is no definitive source to confirm its etymology. The estate began its journey in 1770 under the ownership of the Arnaud family, initially covering a modest 7 hectares. The wines produced during this time, known as "Petrus-Arnaud," were not highly regarded.

The true ascent of Petrus began in 1925 when Marie Louise Loubat, a visionary hotelier, purchased a portion of the estate. She recognized the potential of the land and set about transforming its production methods, reducing yields, and introducing manual grape sorting. Her dedication paid off after World War II with the exceptional 1945 vintage, marking the true beginning of the Petrus legacy.

The Evolution of Petrus

In 1947, Loubat partnered with Jean-Pierre Moueix, a prominent wine merchant, granting him exclusive marketing rights. Together, they championed the estate, elevating its profile on the international stage. Their efforts led to Petrus being served at the wedding of Queen Elizabeth II and becoming a favorite of the Kennedy family.

Following Loubat's passing in 1961, the estate was divided among her relatives, but Jean-Pierre Moueix’s influence only grew. By 1969, he became the sole owner, further expanding the vineyard with a significant acquisition from the Baillencourt family, bringing the estate to its current size of 11.3 hectares.

Moueix's legacy continued until his death in 2003, after which his sons, Christian and Jean-François, took the helm, maintaining the estate's revered status. In 2018, they allied with Alejandro Santo Domingo to further enhance Petrus's development.

The Terroir and Winemaking

Petrus is distinguished not just by its illustrious history but also by its exceptional terroir. Situated on the highest point of a plateau, the estate's unique clay, known as montmorillonite, plays a crucial role in the quality of the wine. This type of clay retains moisture, ensuring the vines receive consistent hydration even during dry spells.

The vineyard, exclusively planted with Merlot, is meticulously cared for, with an average age of over 40 years. The production process is equally rigorous, overseen by renowned oenologist Jean-Claude Berrouet and his son Olivier. Grapes are hand-harvested and vinified in cement vats, followed by aging in oak barrels for 12 to 16 months.

Quality is paramount at Petrus, and the estate has occasionally chosen not to produce a vintage if the grapes do not meet their high standards. Notable vintages include 1982, 1989, 1990, 1995, 2001, 2005, 2006, and the exceptional 2010 vintage, which has been lauded for its exquisite balance of flavors and elegance.

Tasting Notes: The 2010 Vintage

The 2010 Petrus offers a remarkable tasting experience. Initially subtle, the nose unfolds with delicate spice notes, followed by an explosion of black fruit as it aerates. The terroir is palpable, revealing hints of wet earth, graphite, and floral nuances. On the palate, the wine showcases an unparalleled harmony of fruit and spices, with a finesse that only the finest oak can provide. The finish is nothing short of sublime, characterized by silky tannins and a depth that reflects the estate’s unique terroir.

Conclusion

Petrus remains a symbol of luxury and exclusivity in the wine world, with its enigmatic history and exceptional terroir contributing to its legendary status. With its meticulous production methods and commitment to quality, Petrus continues to captivate wine lovers and collectors alike, ensuring its place as one of the most coveted wines in the world.