Vinous - Score: 97-99 (Nov. 2019)

The 2018 Pétrus, which was matured in 50% new oak, is deep purple in colour. Allowing my glass 10 to 15 minutes to open, it has a very pure and almost Burgundian bouquet with precise, almost pixelated blackcurrant, bilberry and shucked oyster shell aromas. This is quintessential Pétrus, perhaps more so than previous vintages. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins and a silver bead of acidity. A little grainier in terms of texture than recent vintages, a trait that I really appreciate, it is endowed with layers of crystalline black fruit, crushed stone, pressed iris flowers and tangible mineralité towards the finish, a residue of spiciness on the persistent aftertaste. There is a sense of classicism about this Pétrus, in my opinion, one of best that Olivier Berrouet has conjured.