1989 Château Petrus
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Tasting notes
The 1989 Pétrus is the greatest vintage produced at this estate under Christian Mouiex's administration, and it's one of Winemaker Jean-Claude Berrouet's best. It not only rivals but may even surpass Haut-Brion for the title of "wine of the vintage," though I have never drunk them side by side, and the two are so different in style and so high in quality that such a comparison would probably be as futile as it would be pleasurable. Unfurling in the glass with a rich bouquet of dark berries, black truffles, exotic spices, cedar and loamy soil, it's full-bodied, broad and enveloping, with a deep and layered core of fruit framed by beautifully refined tannins and an immensely long finish. Textural and seamless, this profound Pomerol delivers everything that one dreams about when one reads about Pétrus.
Critic scores
Wine Spectator
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
The 1989 Petrus vies with Haut-Brion and La Mission as the wine of the vintage. Certainly, in Pomerol, nothing comes close. This is a stunning bottle with ferrous-tinged black fruit, freshly rolled tobacco, Earl Grey and just a hint of wild mint. The palate displays heavenly poise and fine tannins. This Pomerol is effortlessly harmonious yet moves discretely into its secondary phase. The crescendo on the finish is beautifully controlled and much more precise than the 1989 Lafleur. Magnificent. Tasted at the 1989 Bordeaux dinner at 67 Pall Mall.
The 1989 Petrus is consistent with previous bottles in the sense that it represents the apotheosis of not only the vineyard, but of Pomerol itself. It still provides that almost surreal cornucopia of aromas, red fruit melted with tar, tobacco, hints of camphor and ash, all delivered with astonishing precision. The palate is perfectly balanced, intense yet paradoxically weightless. This example is one of the finest I have encountered in terms of clarity and precision. Ethereal. If you want to taste a genuine 100-point wine then step this way. Magnificent! Tasted at the Petrus dinner at Hide restaurant in London and at Epure restaurant in Hong Kong.
About the producer
Ask any wine-lover to name the world’s greatest fine wines, and the answer will invariably include Pétrus.