1999 Petrus
By Chateau Petrus
1999 Petrus from Château Petrus, Pomerol, Bordeaux
Even in the world of prestigious Bordeaux wines, where history and heritage fuse to shape a narrative ripe with allure, few labels captivate the collector's psyche quite like the 1999 Petrus from Château Petrus. As we unfold the scroll of time to this particular year, we observe a vintage graced with benevolent skies and a providential harvest season within the storied confines of Pomerol.
An Insight into the Vintage
The 1999 vintage stood out as a meritorious year for Bordeaux, yet it was not without its challenges. Akin to its elder and younger brethren, the Pomerol appellation demanded skilful navigation of the climatic storyline: a tale marked by an auspicious start and precocious summer, followed by September rains that impelled astute timing for harvest. The magicians at Château Petrus, with their enviable choreography of precision and intuition, deftly captured the essence of this season in their iconic Merlot-centric embodiment of terroir finesse.
A Lingering Lore on the Palate
On decanting, the 1999 Petrus offers a tapestry of sensory intrigue – a hue reminiscent of garnet kissed by time's gentle caress; a bouquet where dark fruits mingle with an earthy undertow and hints of truffle; an olfactory echo of Pomerol's famed iron-rich clay that cradles the venerable vines. The palate is further adorned by this vintage’s particular narrative – structure balanced by seductive plushness, interlacing layers of complexity, augmented by supple tannins that whisper tales of longevity and potential still unfolding.
Savvy investors contemplate not only the chorus of immediate sensory gratification but also the siren call of appreciation potential. The 1999 Petrus, in its quiet composure and confident depth, promises exactly this – a precocious investment beckoning to those who perceive the whispers of its worth.
A Testament to Time
As we consider placing the 1999 Petrus from Château Petrus within the enviable cellars that span continents, we are reminded that each bottle holds more than just wine; it cradles history, holds steadfast through economic tides, and offers a taste profile steeped in the unique character of its vintage. A peerless acquisition for both collector and investor – this is Pomerol at its contemplative best.
Market price (CAD)
$52,430.00
12x75cl
Highest score
94
POP score
2250
Scores and tasting notes
This wine is turning out much in the style of such wonderful Petrus vintages as 1967 and 1971. Although not as outstanding as either the 1998 or 2000, it displays beautiful intensity and finesse in a more evolved style than one normally expects from this estate. The wine has a dense, nearly opaque ruby/purple color, sweet black cherry, mulberry, truffle-infused fruit, full body, low acidity, admirable purity, and sweet tannin. It should be ready to drink in 5-6 years, and will last for two decades. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2030. Only 2,400 cases were produced.
Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 29 April 2002
Tasted at the 1999 horizontal at Bordeaux Index. This has a lucid garnet core. The bouquet is tightly coiled, scents of raspberry, wild strawberry, a touch of lavender, cooked meats, soy and wild mint. The palate is medium-bodied, rounded and quite sensuous on the entry, a slight ferrous, very elegant towards the finish that has very fine persistency. Not a great Petrus vis-a-vis other vintages, but a decent Pomerol, a Petrus that plays it safe. Drink now-2020. Tasted June 2009.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Jul 2009