1989 Petrus, Pomerol 1x75cl

Vinous 100

Tasted at the Pomerol Comparative Exploration tasting in London, the 1989 Petrus has become the pinnacle of that era, just edging away from the 1990 and the 1982 Petrus (this bottle juxtaposed with both here). The first observation is that the colour is slightly deeper than the 1990, whilst the aromatics are more backward and demanded more coaxing from the glass, even though this bottle had been given requisite decanting. However, patience is rewarded as it offers gorgeous scents of blackberry, briary, wild mint and crushed violets, all with astonishing precision. The palate does not disappoint. Perfectly balance and after 27 years as fresh as a daisy, it has a little more intensity than the 1990. The framework of this Petrus is bewitching: symmetrical, tensile and that crucial element, effortless. This just takes perfection in its stride, delivering a crescendo on the finish that is simply breath-taking. Jean-Claude Berrouet and Christian Moueix produced a vinous Vermeer in 1989. [Neal Martin, 02/01/2018]

Anticipated maturity: 2018-2045

Robert Parker 99

Tasted at Benoit restaurant in New York. The Petrus 1989 is a truly awesome Pomerol. Here it has a compelling, multi-dimensional, pristine bouquet with intense red fruit loaded with minerals, faint touches of black truffle and bay leaf, a hint of clove and warm brick. You can feel the warmth of the summer but it possesses quite awe-inspiring delineation. The palate is medium-bodied, the tannins having softened in recent years but still it retains that symmetrical structure and focus that is totally bewitching. Yet it all seems so effortless, so that you almost do not sense that power unless you really focus upon it. The finish fans out with hints of graphite coming through the layers of mellow red and black fruit laced with clove and just a faint hint of peppermint, whilst the finish is virtually endless. This is an extraordinary Petrus. Tasted April 2013. [01/04/2013]

JancisRobinson.com 18

Very, very deep ruby with some evolution. More reticent on the nose than the 1990. A hint of rhubarb and definitely refreshing aromas on that base of ripeness. Inky dense with very slightly dry tannins on the finish. Definitely dry and burnt quality. Singed. Not (yet?) complete. The finish is a little light and disappointing. Still slightly floral, but those tannins really are very dry and dusty. A bit savage and aggressive. Burly. [11/03/2004]

Anticipated maturity: 2008-2020