Petrus, Pomerol 2008

It is hard to call Petrus a “sleeper of the vintage,” but the 2008 will merit more attention than most consumers would think. Low yields of 30 hectoliters per hectare resulted in only 25,000 bottles of this beauty. A wine of great intensity (possibly the most concentrated wine of the vintage), this 100% Merlot boasts a dark purple color as well as a sweet perfume of mocha, caramel, black cherries, black currants, earth and forest floor. Deep, unctuously textured, full-bodied and pure, it will benefit from 4-5 years of cellaring and should drink well for 25-30+ years.

The 2008 Pétrus has a classic Pomerol nose, perhaps darker fruit than other vintages, blackberry and briary, a touch of truffle and minerals. I love the definition here, the cool restraint. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannin, a fine bead of acidity, chalky and tensile with moderate depth. There is a sense of composure, maybe even conservatism attached to this Pétrus that sports a mineral-driven and (at least for this Pomerol) almost austere finish compared to the 2009 or 2010. But it is a lovely wine that is only just beginning to open. Haunting. (Tasted at BI Wine & Spirit’s annual 10-Year On tasting.)

Deep ruby-purple. Captivating aromas of blackberry, black cherry, flowers, licorice and Oriental spices are lifted by hints of white pepper and soy sauce. Rich and concentrated yet suave on entry, then sweet but with outstanding grip in the middle, with harmonious acidity providing terrific lift and definition to the multifaceted, opulent flavors of dark berries, mocha, iron and spices. This massive, exotic wine coats the entire palate without conveying any impression of weight; its remarkably smooth finish lasts for minutes. One of the top three wines of the vintage, and a remarkable Petrus.

There's so much floral and berry character on the nose and palate here. It's full-bodied and very dense with lots of fine and delicate tannins. Winemaker Ol iver Berrouet calls it a classic Bordeaux in style and I have to agree with him because of the fine tannins, fresh acidity, and beautiful reserve fruit. Lovely sweet berry and chocolate finish to the wine. Try in in five to six years.

Medium-deep ruby. Exotic, perfumed aromas of dark cherry, spicy plum, soy sauce and Oriental spices. Full and voluptuous on the palate, this boasts exceptionally ripe, decadent red cherry flavors lifted by soy sauce and cinnamon nuances. Very long and silky, with unbelievably fine-grained tannins. With its texture of liquid velvet, this should make a memorable Petrus. Le Pin.