2017 Pétrus Pomerol
Region: Bordeaux, France
Grape: 100% Merlot
Vineyard Practice: Sustainable
Culinary Suggestions: Beef, Lamb Roast, Pork, Lamb, Duck, Game, Roast Chicken
Alcohol: 15%
Bottle Size: 750 ml
Origins
Pétrus stands as a paragon of Bordeaux excellence and the pinnacle of Pomerol. Its unmatched terroir and precise winemaking techniques elevate it to one of the world's most prestigious wines. Securing a bottle in excellent condition is a rare luxury that we are glad to provide here, given its global reputation and strong demand.
The essence of Pétrus lies in its profound expression of terroir. The vineyard, a mere 11.4 hectares (28 acres), is perched on the highest hill of Pomerol, on Bordeaux's right bank, at an altitude of 40 metres. The vines, with an average age of 40 years, are densely planted at 7,000 vines per hectare. This concentration, combined with the rigorous massal selection process—cloning the best vines to preserve their superior qualities ensures the continuation of Pétrus's exceptional heritage.
Since 2011, the vineyard has been exclusively planted with Merlot, having replaced the former Cabernet Franc vines. Since 2011, the vineyard has been exclusively planted with Merlot, having replaced the former Cabernet Franc vines. This decision highlights the vineyard's unique composition of iron-rich clay soil, coupled with blue clay veins. Such a distinctive soil profile enhances the grapes' ability to achieve optimal ripeness and complexity, thanks to the superior water drainage properties. The result is a wine of extraordinary depth, complexity, and elegance.
Critic Reviews
98+ Points
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Advocate
Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2017 Petrus comes galloping out of the glass with bold, expressive notions of Black Forest cake, blueberry preserves and Christmas pudding with nuances of molten chocolate, Chinese five spice, candied violets, licorice and kirsch plus wafts of roses and cinnamon stick. Full-bodied, rich, spicy and fantastically concentrated, the palate has compelling freshness and a solid base of wonderfully ripe, velvety tannins, finishing very long and opulent. The aromatics at this youthful stage are atypical for Petrus and quite stunning—this 2017 is a bombshell! Furthermore, it is a unique style for this estate and one avid collectors should seek out!
~ Drink 2023 - 2063
95+ Points
Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media
Deceptively alluring a few months after bottling, the 2017 Petrus is attractive and nuanced, and yet I get the impression it is going through a rather awkward stage. Floral and blood orange overtones add freshness and inner perfume to a Petrus that will age more on finesse than power. Olivier Berrouet opted for longer skin contact than normal, about 30 days, with pumpovers of one volume of wine per day at the beginning of fermentation. Malolactic fermentation took place in steel. The 2017 spent about 14 months in oak and then four months in tank prior to being bottled in July 2019.
~ Drink 2025 - 2047