Château Petrus 2012
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 2012 Reviews / Tasting Notes
Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate
Point Score: 96+
Tasted blind at the Southwold 2012 tasting, the 2012 Petrus demonstrated a forward, fruit-driven, ripe raspberry and wild strawberry bouquet underneath which lies graphite and forest floor aromas. It seems refined, understated, nonchalant even. The palate is medium-bodied with a slightly savory opening, as if there was a tiny drop of Cabernet Franc. The tannins are fine but firm, the red fruit infused with cooked meat, black pepper and sage notes, although I was anticipating a finish armed with more body. That may well develop in time, yet it remains a regal Pomerol that will probably merit a higher score with bottle age, hence the plus-sign against the score. Tasted January 2016.
Wine Spectator
Point Score: 96
This has some serious muscle, with rivets of graphite studding a beam of dense, gravelly grip that holds the core of steeped plum and raspberry notes together. Very long, with superior cut. A graphite note powers through the finish, while the fruit drips on and on.
James Suckling
Point Score: 98
This shows fabulous length with a chocolate, berry and mineral undertone. Licorice and currants too. Full body yet refined with seamless tannins. Goes on for minutes. It shows such amazing length and elegance. Depth. Phenomenal structure here, especially for the vintage. Reminds me of the 1998 or 1971, which were structured yet very fine.