Vinous - Score: 95 (2018 September)

The solitary brush with the 1952 Petrus comes courtesy of a Vandermeulen bottling in Belgium from an impeccable cellar. This shows better than a rather moribund Avery’s bottling encountered previously. Citrus-like and lively on the nose with light red berry fruit, orange rind, and just a tincture of chlorophyll that also marks the 1955. The aromatics are not so much compelling, but rather seductive. Surprisingly precocious for the normally conservative 1952s, this Petrus is endowed with fine depth and commendable balance, not to mention its amelioration in the glass, gaining harmony over the course of one hour. Bottles are now rarely seen but well-preserved examples will give pleasure. Take from the “Pomerol” book.