Pétrus 2009

Started picking 18/9 Sep but waited for rains. Mostly picked 1 Oct. Atypical phenological cycle. More like hot places. Acid higher than for most hot years. Very dark crimson. Very subtle and exciting on the nose. Really rich and round and vibrant. Very sweet and exciting. So luscious. Great richness, A certain gentleness of texture. Exciting. Very well mastered - no excess. Very rich too. The tannins very well hidden. Date tasted 30th March 2010. Drink 2015-2035.

This offers a beautiful balance between its two sides: dark fig, roasted plum and toast flavors versus racy raspberry, cassis and perfumy black tea notes. Silky overall, but with terrific latent grip and a mouthwatering minerality that drives through the finish, pulling out extra fruit paste and charred spice hints. Very, very impressive range. Best from 2018 through 2035. From France.-J.M.

There is a seductive lushness about the nose with lots of fleshy ripe black plum and cassis. Under all of the sweet fruit are tannins firm but not hard backed by bilberry and bramble freshness, all of these layers of flavour ensure complexity. It is massive yet seamless with an elegant long, flowing finish. Drink 2018-2050.

Rain in the middle of September was the key to the success of the 2009 Pétrus, according to Jean-Claude Berrouet, enabling the château to avoid water stress in the vineyard. The resulting wine is delicious, showing great finesse though not quite as good as 2005, showing great finesse. The oak is quite prominent at the moment, but this will age well, thanks to its acidity and underlying structure. 15+ years.

A powerful tannic frame provides the structure, length and classicism of a grand Bordeaux but there's also a modern purity and freshness of fruit. Winemaker Olivier Berrouet harvested slightly later, at the beginning of October, to guarantee maturity. Dense, complex and profound. Drink 2020-2050.

Tons of truffle and chocolate make this lush and fleshy Pomerol very seductive. The power and concentration are impressive, but right at the opulent and silky finish there's just a hint of warmth from the alcohol. Drink or hold. (Horizontal Tasting, London, 2019)

Harvested between September 17 and the beginning of October, the 2009 Petrus reminds me of what the 1982 tasted like at a similar age. Sweet tannins along with extraordinarily pure mulberry and black cherry fruit intermixed with hints of licorice and truffle are found in this 2009 in addition to a voluptuous mouthfeel, an unctuous texture, and, for Petrus, relatively high alcohol of 14.2%. Stuffed, rich, and creamy-textured with a full-bodied, powerful, exuberant personality, it should be approachable in a decade, and last for 40-50 years. (Tasted once). Drink 2020-2070.

Tasted at Chateau Petrus. A bright purple colour. The nose is warm and inviting, very concentrated with raspberry, wild strawberry and more glycerine than I have encountered in previous vintages. The palate is full-bodied and very supple in texture, beautifully balanced and very sensuous, more a Petrus of texture than tautness or delineation, building on the palate, very good weight with a touch of citrus peel and a sprinkle of white pepper towards the finish. Long, long length with that hint of Schezhuan pepper on the aftertaste. Tasted April 2010.

What a nose this has. I close my eyes when I smell this, and I see perfectly ripe Merlot grapes crushed in the vats. Blackberry, mineral, black licorice, coffee bean and chocolate lead to a full body, with round yet firm tannins and beautiful fruit. The luxurious finish offers a cashmere texture and gorgeous fruit. Rich and subtle. Doesn't appear to be the 2005, but very close.