Chateau Petrus   Petrus

2008 Petrus

By Chateau Petrus

2008 Petrus from Château Petrus, Pomerol, Bordeaux

In the annals of vinous splendor, certain vintages resonate with an ineffable distinction. The 2008 Petrus from Château Petrus is a testament to the resilience and adaptive mastery of a winemaker's craft. This vintage, emerging from a year that commenced with trepidation due to capricious weather patterns, ultimately reveals how adversity was transformed into an expression of magnificence.

 

An Ode to Grace Under Pressure

The precision and poise that define the 2008 harvest at the hallowed grounds of Pomerol bore witness to a vintage that initially kept vignerons on tenterhooks. Challenges presented by climatic whims were met with an astute alchemy of patience and expertise by Château Petrus, resulting in a creation that unerringly reflects both the character of Merlot in its most revered form and the singular personality of that growing season.

Vigilance and timely response shielded the precious grapes from spring frosts, while summer's dryness led to meticulous canopy management, ensuring optimal ripeness without overexposure. The diligence paid dividends with grapes brought to the winery displaying impeccable balance—a harmonious fusion of fruit concentration and freshness.

 

A Portrait of the Vintage

In tasting, the 2008 Petrus unveils layers unfurling with dark plum and ripe cherry nuances, a chiaroscuro to the deep mineral core which speaks of Pomerol's hallowed terroir. Fine tannins frame the mouthfeel, and there’s a lingering spice that whispers tales of autumnal warmth and careful oak ageing. In its youth, this vintage was lauded for its approachability; however, over a decade later, it garners admiration for its graceful evolution.

Fine wine connoisseurs and astute investors alike will note the 2008 Petrus as one brimming with potential. In it lies not only a history of meticulous viticulture but also an avenue for prolonged enjoyment or prudent wine investment growth—the choice nestles in the collector’s intent.

A meditation on terroir interlaced with meteorological suspense, Château Petrus’s 2008 offering is an affirmation of resilience translated into liquid opulence. It is not merely a beverage—it is a story bottled in time, awaiting contemplative sippage and evoking earnest discourse amongst those who appreciate wine's intricate ballet between nature and nurture.

Current market price

£31,500.00

12x75cl

Highest score

97

POP score

1852.94

Scores and tasting notes

97

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.

Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 1 May 2011

97

Tasted ex-chateau and single blind in Southwold. I was initially quite mean to this Petrus, probably because as my note from October 2010 suggests, it is now a more reticent wine and has far less of that “showboating” it displayed out of barrel. So whilst you initially wonder what all the fuss is about, leaving the wine in my glass for a few minutes eventually, almost reluctantly, reveals a very intense bouquet of wild strawberry, raspberry and crushed stone. It has great precision, real intensity and sense of purpose. The palate is medium-bodied with very smooth, rounded tannins and it feels velvety smooth in the mouth. There is still some oak to be subsumed, which meant I was parsimonious with my score handed in at the tasting. But even after a few minutes the wine is unfolding before my senses and you become aware that this will evolve into a top class Petrus. Tasted January 2012.

Neal Martin - Wine Journal May 2012

94

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.

James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, December 20th 2010

Vintage performance