1986 Petrus
By Chateau Petrus
1986 Petrus from Château Petrus, Pomerol, Bordeaux
The esteemed 1986 vintage from the iconic Château Petrus stands as a testament to the winery's enduring legacy in Pomerol, Bordeaux. This particular year captures the quintessence of the vineyard's character under challenging conditions. Crafting such an extraordinary example of vinous artistry amidst a vintage that tested even the most resilient vintner's resolve is no small feat.
A Vintage That Speaks Volumes
Merlot, the leading actor in this sumptuous performance, showed remarkable tenacity in 1986 and was nothing short of a revelation under Petrus' skilled guidance. The growing season presented hurdles with its variable weather, yet this bottle tells a story of triumph with poise and panache.
The 1986 Petrus encapsulates meticulous grape selection and impeccable wine investment potential with each mastered sip. The harmonious interplay of brooding dark fruits and finessed tannins promises a profound experience for both the palate and the portfolio.
Pomerol's Climatic Ballet
As we appreciate the climates that shape each vintage, 1986 deals in contrast—the push and pull between warmth and temperance have resulted in a layered complexity. The mid-eighties were a period invoking disciplined viticulture to transcend obstacles and present a wine characterized by its depth, structure, and longevity.
In reflection, Pomerol's terroir articulates elegantly through notes of black cherry, truffle, and an earthy minerality—a masterstroke from this epochal château. There is a ripe precision to this vintage, tying together weather-beaten challenges with centuries of winemaking wisdom.
In summary, the 1986 Petrus from Château Petrus emerges as one of the bright beacons in fine wine investment; not just for its noble heritage or Pomerol's storied earth—but for overcoming climatic adversity with grace and constituting an eloquent chapter in Bordeaux’s narrative. A distinguished addition to any discerning collection, it is a remembrance of how true finesse is often sculpted by time's toughest trials.
Market price (SGD)
$41,060.00
12x75cl
Highest score
92
POP score
2049.17
Scores and tasting notes
This is a far superior bottle to the one yesterday. An intense, earthy nose with wet sand, savory fruits, leather and a touch of apricots. The palate is medium to full-bodied, good acidity with much more vigor than I expected. Still a little linear and less complex than great Petrus, this has a masculine, conservative finish that like the distant cousin of a Pauillac. Tasted December 2006. Drinking now- 2015
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Jul 2007
This is another wine made during the period when Christian Moueix and his conservative oenologist, Jean-Charles Berrouet, were obviously harvesting very early and also, to my mind, doing entirely too much fining and filtration before the wine got in bottle. My cask tasting notes were significantly higher on all the vintages in the early to mid-eighties, but as most of the wines have aged in the bottle, they have become increasingly weedy, herbaceous, with Medoc-like austerity and excessive tannins for the meager fruit. The 1986 is showing medium ruby/garnet color with considerable amber at the edge. The indifferent bouquet offers up notes of roasted vegetables, Japanese green tea, some smoke, a hint of sweet cherry, and some loamy, earthy, almost mushroomy notes in the background. The wine is austere on the palate, with high tannin and moderate fruit. For Petrus, this is a major disappointment and continues to decline in quality. Anticipated maturity: Now-2010. Last tasted, 11/02.
Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 31 December 2002