Chateau Petrus Pomerol 1996

WA92-94: Along with Clinet, Petrus has produced the top wine in Pomerol. Instead of producing 4,500 cases (the quantity produced in abundant high quality vintages such as 1989 and 1990), Christian Moueix has turned out a brilliant Petrus by producing only 1,800 cases. The 1996 Petrus boasts a black/ruby/purple color, as well as a wonderfully sweet nose of black-cherries, raspberries, truffles, cedar, and vanillin. Rich and medium to full-bodied, with considerable power and concentration, this is a superb effort in what was obviously a difficult year for Pomerol. The wine possesses excellent sweetness, high glycerin, and a layered texture. It should mature more quickly than some of its older siblings, particularly 1993, 1994, and 1995, all splendid successes at Petrus. Anticipated maturity: 2002-2020

VM92+: Healthy red-ruby. Red fruit, espresso, iron, tobacco, brown spices and exotic oak scents on the nose. Round and silky in the mouth, but supported by solid structure. Already shows lovely perfume in the mouth. Compared to the softer '97, this has more penetration and grip. Finishes spicy, firm and quite long.