Wine Advocate
byRobert Parkerthe4/30/2004
The only Pomerol vineyard to be planted in a deep bed of blue clay, Petrus, which harvested its Merlot in a mere three days during the first week of September (2nd, 3rd, and 4th), did not suffer as much from this historical heat as many of its neighbors, whose vineyards are planted in more gravelly soils. Hence it has produced one of the finest 2003s of Bordeaux’s right bank. However, the production is small, with only 1,650 cases made. The alcohol of 13 - 13.5% was not as high as Christian Moueix suspected, but the acidity levels were low, and the pH running at 3.9 plus, which gives the wine a fat, multilayered, fleshy, textural mouthfeel. The deep ruby/purple color is accompanied by an exceptional nose of jammy red and black fruits intermixed with notions of licorice, vanillin, and underbrush. Full-bodied and opulent, with great intensity as well as noteworthy freshness, and no evidence of over-ripeness (prunes, raisins, etc.), this blockbuster is a remarkable achievement, especially given the style of other Pomerols produced adjacent to this hallowed vineyard. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2030.