Petrus - Pomerol 2012

Wine Advocate

96 / 100

byNeal Martinthe10/28/2016

Tasted blind at the Southwold 2012 tasting, the 2012 Petrus demonstrated a forward, fruit-driven, ripe raspberry and wild strawberry bouquet underneath which lies graphite and forest floor aromas. It seems refined, understated, nonchalant even. The palate is medium-bodied with a slightly savory opening, as if there was a tiny drop of Cabernet Franc. The tannins are fine but firm, the red fruit infused with cooked meat, black pepper and sage notes, although I was anticipating a finish armed with more body. That may well develop in time, yet it remains a regal Pomerol that will probably merit a higher score with bottle age, hence the plus-sign against the score. Tasted January 2016.
Note : 96+/100

Vinous

94 / 100

the1/31/2016

Wine Advocate

96 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/30/2015

One of the stars of the vintage, the wine (100% Merlot) has exceptional concentration, stunning purity, an inky purple color and a broad, expansive mouthfeel. Not a bit heavy, cloying or overwrought, this is a stunning Petrus (licorice, blackcurrants and truffles dominate) that will probably hit full maturity in 8-10 years and last 25-35. Another great example of this mythical wine that few can afford, virtually no one drinks, but everyone talks about! Relatively high in alcohol at 14.5%, the crop was tiny because of the spring’s poor flowering in this sector of Pomerol. (96+)

Jamessuckling.com

98 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe2/15/2015

The shows fabulous length with a chocolate, berry and mineral undertone. Licorice and currants too. Full body yet refined with seamless tannins. Goes on for minutes. It shows such amazing length and elegance. Depth. Phenomenal structure here, especially for the vintage. Reminds me of the 1998 or 1971, which were structured yet very fine.

Wine Spectator

96 / 100

byJames Molesworththe2/10/2015

This has some serious muscle, with rivets of graphite studding a beam of dense, gravelly grip that holds the core of steeped plum and raspberry notes together. Very long, with superior cut. A graphite note powers through the finish, while the fruit drips on and on. Best from 2018 through 2032. –JM

Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

92-95 / 100

byIan D'Agatathe6/29/2013

Bright, deep ruby.  An exotic blueberry scent is complicated by sexy notes of violet, cocoa, coffee and flint.  Very rich, dense, supple and sweet on the palate, with noteworthy complexity and precision to the spicy black fruit and floral flavors.  Conveys a strong impression of energy on the sweet, very long finish.  This wine possesses silky tannins and lovely purity of fruit, but while flattering and easier to taste today than some recent vintages of Petrus at the same stage, it doesn't have the structure of the better vintages.  Still, there is no trace of the dilution or of the tough tannins that plague other big names in Pomerol in 2012.  One of the five best wines of the vintage.

Le Point

19 / 20

byJacques Dupontthe5/16/2013

Nez bien fruité, cerise burlat, gelée de mûre, bouche ronde, veloutée, fine, tendue, délicate, une qualité de tanins étonnante, réglisse et soie, fin. Charme et densité, il ferait presque oublier l'élegant 2011. O= 2017 G= 20 ans

Wine Advocate

96-98 / 100

byNeal Martinthe5/6/2013

Deep garnet in colour, the Petrus 2012 out of barrel has a more broody, but no less compelling bouquet compared to the 2011 last year that was more open. Here we find pure blackberry and raspberry fruit, a background of citrus fruit lending the aromatics freshness and a touch of cold stone. The palate is medium-bodied with a crisp, structured, quite compact entry that bides its time in the glass. For sure this is a very tightly wound Petrus at this primordial stage, however there is good weight in the mouth and it arcs towards a saline finish that exudes breathtaking delineation and clarity. The 2012 feels like a more masculine Petrus stylistically similar to the 2008, but it will have more to offer after ten years in bottle. Tasted April 2013.

timatkin.com

98 / 100

byTim Atkin MWthe4/30/2013

In a year of some excellent Pomerols, this wine is the pick of the appellation. 2012 was naturally low yielding at Pétrus, with no recourse to green harvesting, according to Olivier Berrouet. The resulting grapes had thicker skins than in 2011, so the château sought to minimise extraction. This wine is riper and sweeter than the 2011, with a lovely bouquet of violets and green herbs, subtle oak, plush tannins and a rich palate of cassis, plum and chocolate. Harmonious, rich, supple, yet built to last, with deceptively forward fruit flavours. Drink: 2020-50

Wine Spectator

94-97 / 100

byJames Molesworththe4/30/2013

Very lively and invigorating, delivering flavors of raspberry ganache, briar, bay and red licorice. Shows ample energy, with mouthwatering acidity coursing along. Displays power but not aggression. Despite the briary tannins, this delivers excellent range and length. Tasted non-blind. —J.M.

matthewjukes.com

19 / 20

byMatthew Jukesthe4/30/2013

Imposing, scented nose and profound, dark and yet buoyant palate, this is a cool, calm, gripping Pétrus.

Jancis Robinson

18 / 20

byJulia Harding MWthe4/29/2013

Drink 2018-2030
Lower volume than 2011 – 30 hl/ha, about 30,000 bottles. Harvest 24 September to 8 October. One of longest harvests at Petrus. They had to eliminate more fruit than last year. First vintage in the new cellar, allowing them to work with more and smaller parcels – they now have 12 (unlined) concrete vats instead of the previous eight. From 2013, global distribution will be handled exclusively by Jean-François Moueix (under the name of a new company called Petrus Something) – up to now has handled distribution only in France.
Inky core. Highly aromatic and beautifully spiced fruit. Both pure and complex on the nose. Aromatic on the palate with fine-grained but deep, welcoming tannins. Hint of smokiness, just so perfumed already. Lovely cassis, velvety and open but with the structure and harmony to age gracefully. Finishes dry and velvety too. Lacks the edge of youth. Almost too gentle at this stage in its life. (JH)

My Bettane + Desseauve

19 / 20

the4/27/2013

Floral, fruit noir, cassis, fin, attaque très charmeuse et subtile, rondeur formidable puis ensuite la densité s’impose avec des tannins très soyeux, une allonge délicate et délicieuse, une très grande finesse avec une énergie magnifique. Ce vin à la fois sérieux et spirituel se révèle grand, très grand !

Wine Advocate

95-98 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/26/2013

There is a boatload of tannin in this intense purple-colored effort as well as a beautiful bouquet of mulberry jam, kirsch, licorice, truffles and toast. Seductive, full-bodied and opulent with abundant red and black fruit, it is a full-bodied, long, impressive Pomerol that should keep for 30+ years.

Merlot was one of the favored varietals in 2012, and Pomerol was undeniably the top appellation. One of only a handful of candidates for “wine of the vintage,” the 2012 Petrus was fashioned from small yields due to a significant loss of the crop due to the poor flowering and resulting coulure as well as the lack of rain between mid-July and September 25. The harvest lasted for nearly two weeks (from September 24 to October 8). The natural alcohol in the 2012 ranks alongside that in the 2010 and 2009, 14.5%. The finished pH was 3.8.
(95-98+ points)
Drink: 2043

The Wine Cellar Insider

96-98 / 100

byJeff Levethe4/26/2013

2012 marks the debut of the new cellars at Petrus with its 12 new cement vats. From yields of just 30 hectoliters per hectare, intense floral aromas with truffle, dark chocolate, licorice, spice, black cherries, blackberry and plum alcohol. The wine is sweet, supple, concentrated and long with a beautiful sense of purity of fruit in the long finish. On the palate, the wine moves from kirsch liqueur to black plums. This vintage of Petrus focuses on purity of fruit with elegant, supple and opulent textures. The property began harvesting September 24, finishing October 8. 96-98 Pts

Decanter.com

18,5 / 20

the4/22/2013

One of the stars this year. Ripe, seductive nose with blackcurrant, blackberry and liquorish notes. Shows upfront charm but the palate has power, depth and distinction. Rounded tannins. Superb length. 18.5/20pts ( 95/100pts)
Drink: 2022 - 2040
Taster: James Lawther MW

Jean-Marc QUARIN

17,5 / 20

byJean-Marc Quarinthe4/9/2013

Voici un des meilleurs vins du millésime. Son succès s'explique par le savoir-faire de son vinificateur, des vendanges tardives, mais surtout très étalées. Quinze jours pour 10,5 hectares de vignes. Le sol argileux a permis à la vigne de ne pas bloquer dans son processus de maturation. Les 100% de merlot, cépage très réussi en 2012, font le reste. Sans oublier un rendement d'à peine 29 hectolitres à l'hectare.
La couleur est intense et sombre, le nez mûr, suave, floral et légèrement vif. Juteux en entrée de bouche, plein au milieu, voire même riche pour le millésime, ce vin évolue gras et profond. Il s'achève complet sur une finale savoureuse de très bonne longueur. Le degré d'alcool est de 14,5, le pH de 3.8 et pour votre information, la concentration des tanins est supérieure au millésime 2010.

Jamessuckling.com

97-98 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe4/4/2013

The shows fabulous length with a chocolate, berry and mineral undertone. Licorice and currants too. Full body yet refined with seamless tannins. Goes on for minutes. It shows such amazing length and elegance. Depth. Phenomenal structure here, especially for the vintage. Reminds me of the 1998 or 1971, which were structured yet very fine.