2012 Petrus
By Chateau Petrus
2012 Petrus from Château Petrus, Pomerol, Bordeaux
In the constellation of fine wines, the 2012 Petrus from Château Petrus shimmers with a distinctive luminescence. Born from the celebrated soils of Pomerol, this vintage eloquently expresses the artistry and finesse for which Château Petrus is esteemed among connoisseurs and investors alike.
Unearthing Elegance in a Trying Vintage
Despite the challenges that shaped the 2012 vintage — including erratic weather and a laborious growing season — Château Petrus emerged triumphant. The meticulous attention to detail in vineyard management and winemaking is evident in the glass. What sets the 2012 vintage apart is its elegant defiance: a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the terroir under trying circumstances.
The 2012 Petrus articulates its narrative through opulent layers of ripe plum, black cherry, and an entrancing truffle earthiness innate to its origin. Tempered by the touch of time, its tannins weave a silken tapestry, lending structure to this merlot-dominated masterpiece.
Investment Worthy: A Vintage With a Commanding Presence
Investment-wise, the 2012 Petrus stands as a strategic acquisition. It captures an interlude of Bordeaux history where skill prevailed over nature's whims. Balanced yet intense, it harbors potential for longevity but also offers approachability for those less inclined to delay gratification.
The subtle influences of oak aging are ever-present but never dominant, showcasing Château Petrus's expertise in crafting wines of power and elegance that echo through time.
In summary, the 2012 vintage encapsulates a standout performance amidst adversity. It represents not merely a snapshot of a year's climate but an exemplar of the synergy between vine, vigneron, and virtue. For collectors and investors angling for returns both sensory and fiscal, aligning with the 2012 Petrus from Château Petrus is one of sterling sagacity.
Market price (GBP)
£28,360.00
12x75cl
Highest score
98
POP score
1575.56
Scores and tasting notes
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.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, November 14th 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.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal May 2013
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.
Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 28 October 2016
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.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #206