Château Petrus 2009
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 2009 Reviews / Tasting Notes
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate
Point Score: 100
Medium to deep garnet colored, the 2009 Petrus gives up glorious scents of preserved plums, redcurrant jelly, dried rose petals, blackberry compote and mulberries with touches of licorice, Chinese five spice and fragrant earth. Full, rich, plushly textured and oh-so-decadent, it reveals layer upon layer of spice box, black fruit and ferrous notions, finishing long and fragrant.
Jancis Robinson
Point Score: 19/20
Started picking 18/9 Sep but waited for rains. Mostly picked 1 Oct. Atypical phenological cycle. More like hot places. Acid higher than for most hot years. Very dark crimson. Very subtle and exciting on the nose. Really rich and round and vibrant. Very sweet and exciting. So luscious. Great richness, A certain gentleness of texture. Exciting. Very well mastered - no excess. Very rich too. The tannins very well hidden. Date tasted 30th March 2010. Drink 2015-2035.
James Suckling
Point Score: 99
Amazing aromas of blackberries, dark chocolate and hazelnut. Full body, with super velvety tannins, yet reserved and all in check. Fresh acidity and an orangy, lemon and chanterelle mushroom aftertaste. Then turns to black olives. Minerals and blueberries. Incredible. Still think 2010 is slightly better. Try in 2020.