Petrus — The Absolute Nobility of Merlot in Pomerol
A true Bordeaux legend and a global icon of fine wine, Petrus embodies the most prestigious expression of the Pomerol terroir. Located at the heart of the plateau, this mythical estate covers around 11.4 hectares of vines planted on deep clay soils, which give the wine its density, depth and incomparable texture.
Owned by Jean-François Moueix and his family, Petrus is today associated with the continuity of the Moueix savoir-faire, with Olivier Berrouet as technical director. Renowned for its opulence, refinement and ability to age for decades, Petrus represents the pinnacle of Merlot expression.
A mythical, rare and profoundly singular wine, where Merlot reaches an almost sculptural dimension. Petrus combines voluptuousness, quiet power, clay-driven depth and absolute precision. Its richness is never demonstrative: it unfolds through a sensual texture, perfectly polished tannins and a finish of exceptional length.
Terroir: the deep clays of the Pomerol plateau
The exceptional identity of Petrus rests on a terroir of deep clay soils, located on one of the highest points of the Pomerol plateau. This geological singularity allows the soils to retain water and release it gradually to the vine, giving Merlot ideal ripening conditions even in the most demanding vintages.
The vines, averaging more than 40 years of age, are today planted to Merlot, a grape variety that finds here an expression of incomparable depth, sensuality and nobility. This alliance between clay, ripeness and precision gives rise to a wine that is dense, velvety, mineral and masterfully balanced.
Terroir expression: Pomerol, clay plateau, deep clays, Merlot, slow ripening, black plum, truffle, graphite, cocoa, liquorice and mineral depth.
Petrus signature: opulence, voluptuousness, depth, velvety texture, polished tannins, freshness, precision and exceptional longevity.
Precision viticulture
Every vineyard decision is guided by absolute exacting standards. Harvesting is carried out by hand, with rigorous grape selection in order to keep only the healthiest and perfectly ripe berries.
The approach aims to preserve the natural water balance of the soils, control yields and achieve optimal aromatic ripeness while retaining freshness, tension and precision. This rigour allows Merlot to express itself with rare intensity without ever losing balance.
Fruit: black plum, blackberry, black cherry, cassis, ripe black fruits and velvety pulp.
Spices and complexity: truffle, liquorice, cocoa, graphite, sweet spices, delicate flowers and smoky notes.
Evolution and terroir: noble forest floor, fine leather, fresh earth, soft tobacco, melted tannins, clay-driven depth and mineral finish.
Overall impression: a Pomerol of absolute nobility, profound, voluptuous, refined, textured and capable of evolving majestically for several decades.
High-precision vinification and ageing
Vinification takes place in temperature-controlled concrete vats, with measured extraction designed to preserve tannic finesse and fruit purity. The aim is to reveal the full depth of the terroir without ever forcing the substance of the wine.
Harvest: manual, with rigorous grape selection.
Vinification: temperature-controlled concrete vats, measured extraction and a focus on purity.
Ageing: French oak barrels, with the proportion of new oak varying according to the vintage.
Philosophy: precision, balance, respect for Merlot texture and pure expression of Pomerol’s clays.
Wine style
Petrus seduces with a deep, intense colour and an enthralling nose of black plum, truffle, liquorice, cocoa, graphite, sweet spices and delicate flowers. On the palate, the texture is voluptuous, the tannins perfectly polished and the balance masterful.
The finish, of exceptional length, bears the mark of Pomerol’s great clay terroir. Its structure allows it to evolve over several decades, gradually revealing aromatic layers of rare complexity. Petrus offers an experience that is profound, sensual and timeless.
Vintages, service and ageing potential
Petrus has exceptional ageing potential, often 30 to 60 years, or even longer for the greatest vintages. Young bottles require measured aeration to open the wine’s aromatic depth; older vintages call for delicate service, respecting their texture and evolution.
Great vintages include 2010, 2009, 2005, 2000, 1998, 1990, 1989, 1982, 1975, 1970, 1964, 1961, 1950, 1947, 1945, 1929 and 1921. Petrus pairs ideally with great roasted meats, dry-aged beef, lamb, fine game, truffle, reduced sauces and dishes of great aromatic depth.
Region: Bordeaux, Pomerol
Estate: Petrus
Ownership: Jean-François Moueix and family
Technical direction: Olivier Berrouet
Surface area: around 11.4 hectares
Grape variety: Merlot
Production: around 30,000 bottles per year
Style: opulent, profound, voluptuous, refined, clay-driven, precise and exceptionally long-lived.
In summary: Petrus is one of the absolute myths of Bordeaux, a Pomerol of rare nobility where Merlot reaches a unique expression of depth, sensuality, refinement and controlled power.
Dominant aromas: black plum, blackberry, black cherry, truffle, liquorice, cocoa, graphite, sweet spices, delicate flowers, fine leather, fresh earth and a long mineral finish.