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The 1998 Petrus never fails to deliver. This is a fabulous example that confirms it is a true tour de force. It has a compelling bouquet with mineral-rich black and red fruit with unerring purity. In this bottle, I notice a hint of hickory not observed previously. The palate is medium-bodied with silky smooth tannins, perfect acidity and a sense of tension that counterbalances the sheer power and ambition of this, the best Bordeaux of the vintage bar none. I was not quite moved to give this a perfect three-figure score, but it flirts with perfection. Tasted at the Petrus dinner at Hide restaurant in London and at Epure restaurant in Hong Kong. 2020-2060
The 1998 Petrus never fails to deliver. This is a fabulous example that confirms it is a true tour de force. It has a compelling bouquet with mineral-rich black and red fruit with unerring purity. In this bottle, I notice a hint of hickory not observed previously. The palate is medium-bodied with silky smooth tannins, perfect acidity and a sense of tension that counterbalances the sheer power and ambition of this, the best Bordeaux of the vintage bar none. I was not quite moved to give this a perfect three-figure score, but it flirts with perfection. Tasted at the Petrus dinner at Hide restaurant in London and at Epure restaurant in Hong Kong. 2020-2060
The 1998 Petrus is the best Right Bank of the decade and here, against the 2000 and 2001, there is no contest. This is the business. It has a ripe, opulent and ineffably complex bouquet with brilliant definition and a sense of mineralité that is more common in a Burgundy Grand Cru. The palate is full-bodied with perfect balance and yet it knows that it does not need to grip the mouth, rather lavishes it in pure tensile red fruit. There is tension and electricity that effortlessly counters the density and opulence of this Pomerol, delivering a luxuriant hint of menthol on the finish. Astonishing. Tasted at the Petrus dinner at the Épure restaurant in Hong Kong.
asted at the Pomerol Comparative Exploration tasting in London, the 1998 Petrus must surely be the decade's pinnacle of the Right Bank. The aromatics are a masterclass of control and precision, yet it is also one of the most intense bouquets that has ever been produced at the estate. Dark berries, black truffle, hints of violet and iris, a touch of Indian ink burst from the glass all with otherworldly delineation so that the aromas never overwhelm. The palate is supremely controlled with filigree tannin, a silver bead of acidity and utter harmony. Compared to a few years ago, this Petrus appears to have calmed down since its exuberant youth, gaining maturity and sophistication. This is a "complete" Petrus that is magnificent in every department.
The 1998 Petrus is the best Right Bank of the decade and here, against the 2000 and 2001, there is no contest. This is the business. It has a ripe, opulent and ineffably complex bouquet with brilliant definition and a sense of mineralité that is more common in a Burgundy Grand Cru. The palate is full-bodied with perfect balance and yet it knows that it does not need to grip the mouth, rather lavishes it in pure tensile red fruit. There is tension and electricity that effortlessly counters the density and opulence of this Pomerol, delivering a luxuriant hint of menthol on the finish. Astonishing. Tasted at the Petrus dinner at the Épure restaurant in Hong Kong.
With a production of 2,300 cases and extremely low yields (35 hectoliters per hectare), it is not surprising that this is a virtually perfect Petrus. The color is an opaque black/purple. It is dense, rich, concentrated, and powerful. If the tannin achieves total integration, it will merit a perfect score. At present, this 1998 is enormous, with huge volume, an unctuous texture, sensational concentration, and a closed, muscular style. Notes of jammy black fruits, truffles, licorice, earth, and espresso become apparent as the wine sits in the glass. At present, this is a backward, immense Petrus that is powerful, tannic, and muscular. Nevertheless, every component is present for a long evolution of 40-50 years. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2045.
The 1998 Petrus is unquestionably a fabulous effort boasting a dense plum/purple color as well as an extraordinary nose of black fruits intermixed with caramel, mocha, and vanilla. Exceptionally pure, super-concentrated, and extremely full-bodied, with admirable underlying acidity as well as sweet tannin, it reveals a superb mid-palate in addition to the luxurious richness for which this great property is known. The finish lasts for 40-45 seconds. Patience will definitely be required. Production was 2,400 cases, about 1,600 cases less than normal. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2040
The small sub-region of Pomerol is situated north-east of the industrious city of Libourne. Pomerol's soils are predominately iron-rich clay with a smattering of gravel that produce wines with extraordinary power and depth. As a result of this clay-dominance, it has the highest percentage of Merlot planted in all of Bordeaux. Certain châteaux are produced exclusively from this grape, but most incorporate smaller quantities of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc as well. Despite its hefty (if not exclusive) proportion of Merlot, many people think of wines from this region as separate entities. As one wine aficionado stated recently, "It's not Merlot. It's Pomerol." Despite the region's small size, Pomerol contains some of the world's most sought after (and expensive) wines including Pétrus, Le Pin, Lafleur, l'Evangile and Vieux Château Certan. Unlike other Bordelais subregions, there is no system of classification. The châteaux are traded on reputation alone.
