Chateau Petrus 1989

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "The 1989 Pétrus is the greatest vintage produced at this estate under Christian Mouiex's administration, and it's one of Winemaker Jean-Claude Berrouet's best. It not only rivals but may even surpass Haut-Brion for the title of "wine of the vintage," though I have never drunk them side by side, and the two are so different in style and so high in quality that such a comparison would probably be as futile as it would be pleasurable. Unfurling in the glass with a rich bouquet of dark berries, black truffles, exotic spices, cedar and loamy soil, it's full-bodied, broad and enveloping, with a deep and layered core of fruit framed by beautifully refined tannins and an immensely long finish. Textural and seamless, this profound Pomerol delivers everything that one dreams about when one reads about Pétrus."

WEINWISSER: "Pflaumiges Bouquet, eine ausufernde Süsse zeigend, Malznoten, Pralinen und auch Rosinen, die den heissen Jahrgang anzeigen. Mundfüllend, erst fett, dann verlangend adstringierend, enorme Konzentration anzeigend mit Reserven für übermorgen, extremer Biss."

WINE SPECTATOR: " I have always loved this wine. It's a giant, yet also sophisticated and reserved. Still dark-ruby colored, with beautiful aromas of fruits and spices. Full-bodied, with opulent fruit and a depth of flavor that lasts for minutes on the palate. Loads of tobacco and fruit."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Flowers, bitter cocoa, dried cherries, plums, black cherries, espresso, truffle, and fennel with a touch of spice create the perfume. The palate is full-bodied, round, lush, and plummy with layers of chocolate-dusted plums, blue fruit, licorice, and a bit of chalk in the endnote."

JANCIS ROBINSON: "Subtle ruby with hints of brown. Minerals and burnt aromas. Definitely tarry. 'Thick' tasting with an edge of minerals and just a little lack of fruit in the middle. At or just past its peak now. After sitting in the decanter for an hour it developed the most delightful velvety texture – essence of Pomerol Merlot."