Chateau Petrus - Petrus - Ex Chateau 2020

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "As I observed to Olivier Berrouet, it's hardly very original to find a wine critic extolling the virtues of this Pomerol reference point; and yet, whether one likes it or not, there's no denying that the 2020 Pétrus is a brilliant achievement and indeed one of the very finest vintages at this address over the last two decades. Unwinding in the glass with a deep bouquet of dark berries, cherries and cassis mingled with hints of exotic spices, violets and vine smoke, it's full-bodied, layered and concentrated, with huge depth at the core, exquisitely refined tannins and a youthfully reserved, even restrained profile despite its power and size. This serious, classically proportioned Pétrus is a monument in the making."

JAMES SUCKLING: "The transparency and complexity in the nose is wonderful, with so much floral character like violets and roses with some fresh spices. Dark berries, too. Sandalwood. It’s medium-bodied but then it just opens and unfolds with incredible depth of fine tannins and great length. It goes on for minutes. It opens like butterfly wings. What a wine. Superb. Drink after 2028."

DECANTER: "A seriously impressive Petrus in 2020. Less hedonistic and instantly emotional than 2019, more sultry, almost shy and reserved but with definition, weight, succulence and suppleness that shines through. It has a silky tannic tension and clear power but not heft, only a soft muscular expansion that comes with a grip and chew to the black fruits with medicinal, liquorice edges and mouthwatering acidity. Understated yet utterly captivating, it takes its time to come out of its shell - a little serious right now but at the same time it’s stylish with a bright, lifted finish reminding you of the juicy freshness that’s possible even in such warm vintages. A shining star that will be magnificent in time."

LISA PERROTTI-BROWN: "The 2020 Petrus is deep garnet-purple in color. It erupts from the glass with a fragrance bomb of fresh black raspberries, preserved plums, wild blueberries, and candied violets, plus suggestions of cinnamon toast, molten licorice, and tilled soil. The rich, dense, full-bodied palate is completely coated in decadent black fruit preserves and exotic spicy flavors, lifted by red berry accents and floral notes, and supported by firm, grainy tannins, finishing long with the mineral sparks coming through. This is an epic."

FALSTAFF: "Waldheidelbeere im Duft, sehr frisch und klar. Himbeere, Rote Johannisbeere, dazu ein eisenmineralischer Unterton. Im Mund dicht mit sehr feinem Gerbstoff besetzt, integrierter Alkohol, viel unterlegte Cremigkeit, nahtlos integrierte Säure, Schmelz und Feinnervigkeit und eine ebenso feine wie eindringliche mineralische Ader, die den Wein durchzieht bis ganz zuletzt, da sich zudem salzige Wahrnehmungen einstellen. "

WINE ENTHUSIAST: "Wonderfully aromatic, this wine offers ripe tannins that give the appearance of softness. That's deceptive because the wine's structure is massive and concentrated. Velvet black fruits are embedded in the texture, superripe without losing freshness. Drink from 2027."

WINE SPECTATOR: "Delivers a fairly gorgeous beam of ripe, lush, unadulterated raspberry fruit flecked with light anise, apple wood and sweet tobacco hints along the way, but this is driven from start to finish primarily by the fruit. Showing a subtle mineral edge that adds detail on the finish, this has impressive poise for the vintage. Finishes with a burnish leather feel rather than succulence, but that's the vintage's fault in the end. Best from 2026 through 2040."

JANCIS ROBINSON: "Rich, dense and opulent but reined-in, the tannic structure a framework of plentiful but really fine tannins. Lovely, lifted fruit expression, the type seen in top Merlot years (shades of 1998?). Plenty of freshness, so harmonious despite the alcohol degree. Very pure. Tremendous length. A step up from 2019 and at least on a par with 2018."