Chateau Petrus 1997

JANCIS ROBINSON: "Exceptionally deep crimson with a blackish tinge. Sweet, intense, quite brûlée on the nose – opulence at last! Lots here. Very consoling and easy to love. Exotic with tropical fruit flavours though without the definition of the Lafite."

WEINWISSER: "Mittleres Rubin- Granat. Dezent vegetale Noten, von einem kühlen, knappen Jahrgang geprägt, noch verschlossen. Im Gaumen erstaunlich viele Reserven zeigend, atypisch für einer 97er, typisch aber vielleicht doch für einen Pétrus, der halt immer noch einen Tick mehr drin hat. Absolut jung, prägnant, fast ein bisschen streng, im Innern leicht grün, legt noch zu."

WINE SPECTATOR: "This is a forgotten Pétrus. Good dark color, with lovely plum and light raspberry aromas. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a fresh, fruity finish. A beauty. Fresh and long. Slightly better than when I tasted it a few years back.--Pétrus non-blind vertical."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "The backward 1997 (2,300 cases produced) needs 3-4 years of cellaring. The dense plum/ruby/purple color is accompanied by a closed bouquet of mocha, dried tomato skin, and black fruits. In the mouth, it is one of the most muscular 1997s, exhibiting outstanding concentration, length, intensity, and depth, copious tannin, and a fine mouth-feel. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2025."

FALSTAFF: "Duftet nach Schwarzkirsche, Himbeere und Zimt, etwas Tabak, feine Fruchtsüße, sehr elegante Geschmacksmitte, im Abklang aber eine Spur rustikal, zu viel neues Holz."