PETRUS

Découvrez nos millésimes PETRUS

Pétrus, a mythical wine from Pomerol

Pétrus, the legend

Pétrus is nestled in the Pomerol appellation on the Right Bank of Bordeaux and ranks among the greatest wines in the world. Pétrus has the peculiarity of not having a château and cultivates discretion and mystery by inviting only a handful of clients and professionals to the estate each year. Although Pétrus is not included in any classification, the Pomerol appellation enjoys an excellent reputation, and the estate reaches the qualitative level of the greatest classified growths of 1855 from the Left Bank and Saint-Emilion. La Romanée-Conti in Burgundy is to Bordeaux what Pétrus is, a legendary wine inscribed in history.

A legend written over the centuries

Its epic story begins at the start of the 19th century under the tutelage of the Arnaud family in the mid-1800s, followed by Jean-Pierre Moueix in the 20th century. This visionary, with unwavering passion and rigor, shaped the Pétrus estate into an unparalleled gem. After World War II, the Moueix family acted as agents, handling the distribution of the estate before purchasing all the shares in 1964. The Moueix family, guardians of this wine, meticulously oversee each vine, each cluster, infusing each vintage with the essence of excellence. In 2018, entrepreneur Alejandro Santo Domingo bought 20% of the capital.

An exceptional terroir for an unparalleled wine profile

Benefiting from the highest altitude in Pomerol, 40 meters above sea level, the Pétrus vineyard covers 11.4 hectares of vines planted on a plateau with a unique terroir. Pétrus is produced from 100% Merlot. The wine draws its mystical aura from the unique expression of this Bordeaux grape variety on this terroir, a buttonhole of extremely fine blue clay on a bed of "crasse de fer," retaining moisture while allowing perfect drainage. Pétrus holds the largest amount of blue clay in the world. This clay is over 40 million years old and, due to its rigidity, the vine roots struggle to penetrate this subsoil and find nutrients. This difficult growth of the vine leads to a deeper and more complex aromatic expression with the highest level of tannins in the Pomerol appellation, with a silky texture.

The Greatest Pétrus Vintages That Have Marked History

1947 is considered one of the greatest vintages in the history of Bordeaux wine, especially for the Right Bank. It is a legendary vintage known for its richness and complexity. The weather was warm and favorable that year, producing fully ripe grapes.

Pétrus 1947 naturally shone in this vintage: “The bouquet is divine right from the start, intoxicating with more black than red fruit aromas, intertwined with shavings of black truffle and mint, surprisingly quite Médocain in style when I was expecting more fleshy and opulent scents associated with the warm summer of that season. The palate is beautifully balanced with impressive depth even after so many years, a hint of tobacco and cedar emerging with aeration, quite savory towards the finish that blossoms splendidly. It is a truly wonderful Pétrus (...) the privilege of tasting it remains a memorable experience.” - Neal Martin 98 / 100

1961 is an iconic vintage in Bordeaux. Pétrus 1961 is renowned for its extraordinary concentration, unparalleled power, and exceptional longevity.

“Pétrus 1961 is a legendary wine (...) what distinguishes the 1961s is a marine trait, and that is certainly evident here—a breath of cold northern sea, hints of seaweed and shellfish. It has a disconcerting precision. The palate is quite structured, quite 'serious' and masculine, almost Left Bank in style thanks to its cedar-infused black fruits. It is a wine of stunning beauty.” Neal Martin 98 / 100

1982 is a landmark year in Bordeaux. Pétrus 1982 is famous for its opulence, richness, and remarkable balance. It remains one of the most sought-after vintages in the world.

“Pétrus 1982 is a wine that I have had the chance to taste perhaps a dozen times, however, this is the only occasion where it was served in magnum. (...) The bouquet is certainly tighter and younger, with a slight earthy touch and burnt leather permeating the black fruits, later joined by a hint of fresh oyster shell. The palate is marvelous: fine tannins, perfectly tuned acidity, depth, and complexity superior to the examples in bottle. It had almost a flinty sensation in the mouth, quite linear and direct with a very persistent finish.” Neal Martin 98 / 100

1989 is prized for its concentration, structured tannins, and complex flavors in Bordeaux. Pétrus 1989 is considered one of the best Pétrus vintages of the late 20th century.

“If it were an actor, it would be the English actor Tom Hardy in the reboot of 'Mad Max.' The fruit profile leans more towards black than red, then it unfolds and reveals magnificent scents of eucalyptus and wild earth, iron rust, and chestnut. The palate is medium-bodied and shows more weight and density than the 1990. What distinguishes this Pomerol is the structure and symmetry, the way it blossoms on the finish with captivating detail and precision.” Neal Martin 100 / 100

1990 is a highly appreciated year. Often compared to the 1989 vintage, Pétrus 1990 is renowned for its rich fruits and generous texture. 

“Pétrus 1990 is a fabulous wine (...) It has a sensual and comforting bouquet of blackberry, raspberry, autumn leaves, wild heather, and a touch of roasted chestnut. (...) The palate is round and smooth. Supple and languorous, there are layers of red fruits infused with sage, thyme, and black tea. The 1990 has extraordinary persistence, a crescendo” - Neal Martin 97 / 100

2000 is a grand year of the modern era in Bordeaux. The 2000 vintage of Pétrus is recognized for its depth, complexity, and long aging potential. 

“This vintage of Pétrus is beyond comprehension—it is a profound and moving experience. One of the best Pétrus vintages of the 2000s, the palate is intense with layers of flavors that unfold on the palate and evolve in the glass over time. Find aromas of mocha, red plums, cocoa, vanilla pods, and truffles that linger on the palate for a full minute. (...) A vintage that showcases the nobility and majestic style of Pétrus.” Jeannie Cho Lee MW 99 / 100