Château Petrus 2020
Review of the Estate
Chateau Petrus, one of the world`s rarest and most expensive wines. When the Moueix family bought a half share in the property in 1962 its true potential began to be fully realised. Chateau Petrus is now under the direction of Christian Moueix and oenologist, Jean Claude Berrouet.
Chateau Petrus has an 11.4 hectare vineyard located on a plateau on the highest part of Pomerol in the far east of the appellation. The topsoil and the subsoil at Chateau Petrus is almost all clay (in neigbouring properties the soil is a mixture of gravel-sand or clay-sand) and Merlot flourishes in this soil.Chateau Petrus vineyard is planted with 95% Merlot.
The vines are unusually old and are only replanted after they reach 70 years of age. The grapes at Chateau Petrus are hand harvested only in the afternoon, when the morning dew has evaporated, so as not to risk even the slightest dilution of quality. The grapes at Chateau Petrus are fermented in cement vats and the wine is aged in 100% new oak barrels for 22-28 months. Petrus is bottled unfiltered.
Chateau Petrus is extraordinarily rich, powerful and concentrated, often with characteristics of chocolates, truffles, Asian spices and ultra-ripe, creamy, black fruits. Chateau Petrus is usually approachable after a decade or so in bottle, but the wines from the very greatest years will continue improving for many more years.
Vineyard
Surface area: 28.2 acres
Grape Varieties: 95% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc
Average age of vines: 35 years
Density of plantation: 6,500 vines per hectare
Average yields: 36 hectoliters per hectare
Average cases produced: 2,300 per year
Plateau of maturity: 10 - 30 years
Château Petrus 2020 Reviews / Tasting Notes
Decanter
Point Score: 98
Extremely powerful, this has the concentration of the vintage no question, but it is oh so slowly dealt out. Despite the clear water reserves in the soils of Petrus, the Merlot still slowed down its ripening over the dry summer - just 30mm of rain here in August - before suddenly accelerating in September. A ton of acidity alongside silky seductive tannins, dense and powerful with violet floral notes streaking through the fruit as it opens. Gorgeous balance with unmistakable personality. Yields here were around 39hl/ha. 3.6pH. Harvest September 5 to 18.
Neal Martin - Vinous
Point Score: 96-98
The 2020 Petrus is limpid purple in color. It has a classic bouquet with a distinct marine influence, offering hints of shucked oyster shell married with extraordinarily pure black fruit and a touch of pressed iris flower, all focused and very controlled (perhaps more so than other vintages). Loamy scents percolate through with time. The palate makes an instant impression in terms of intensity, vibrancy and focus. The tannins grip the mouth but do not overwhelm, and they become ever more refined with aeration. This is a symmetrical Petrus that brushes off the extremities of the growing season, maintaining that initial marine theme. There is a magnificent crescendo as it fans out gloriously on the finish, gaining flesh and salinity. The 2020 demands attention and should age magnificently in bottle.
Jancis Robinson
Point Score: 18.5/20
Rich, dense and opulent but reined-in, the tannic structure a framework of plentiful but really fine tannins. Lovely, lifted fruit expression, the type seen in top Merlot years (shades of 1998?). Plenty of freshness, so harmonious despite the alcohol degree. Very pure. Tremendous length. A step up from 2019 and at least on a par with 2018. (JL) 14.8%