2016 Petrus - Pomerol - 1 Bottle (0.75L)

One 75cl bottle of Petrus 2016; Front label and capsule in excellent condition, back label slightly foxed

100/100 Robert Parker

Château-bottled.

Shipped via UPS. Insured for full value.

About the estate
Although technically an unclassified growth—like all great Pomerol wines—Petrus (simply "Petrus," not "Château Petrus") is the most famous and prestigious red wine in Bordeaux. The legend began in the late 19th century. The Arnaud family owned the estate and enjoyed a renown that never waned. Starting in 1925, Edmonde Loubat gradually purchased shares in the *Société Civile du Château Petrus* from the family, becoming the sole owner in 1945. Dynamic and aware of the exceptional potential of this "small" vineyard (approximately 6 hectares—now 11.5 hectares following the acquisition of a plot from Château Gazin), she found an ideal partner in 1947 in Jean-Pierre Moueix, a wine merchant from Libourne hailing from a family from the Corrèze region. Vintage after vintage, the estate's reputation grew.
This duo, possessing remarkable commercial acumen, propelled the estate to the pinnacle of success starting in the early 1950s. Already known in France and highly acclaimed abroad, Petrus wines even graced the table at Queen Elizabeth II's engagement celebration. In the 1960s, the Kennedy family regarded it as the greatest red wine in Bordeaux; Petrus immediately became the benchmark for the American market and secured its place among the world's finest wines. It was also during this period that Jean-Pierre Moueix began to get involved in the winemaking process. He purchased half the estate in 1964 and the remainder in 1972, eventually passing it on to his son, Jean-François. Few families in Bordeaux are as influential today as the Moueix family, who own nine other properties in Pomerol, including Château Trotanoy and Château La Fleur-Pétrus.
The estate boasts a *terroir* that is truly unique in Bordeaux: soil composed almost entirely of swelling black clay resting on an iron-rich subsoil, situated on a rise that peaks at an elevation of 40 meters. Merlot finds its ideal growing conditions here, making up 100% of the vineyard's plantings. Petrus produces only a "grand vin" (any other production is declassified) and, naturally, no white wine. Harvesting is done by hand, and the aging process lasts an average of 20 months (using 100% new oak barrels).
The price of a bottle of Petrus varies and can easily exceed €3,000 at auction for exceptional vintages such as 2010, 2009, 2005, 2000, 1990, 1989, 1982, 1961, and even 1945 and 1929. Indeed, nine of these vintages have received the prestigious 100/100 score from Robert Parker, making it one of the most highly acclaimed wines by critics.

About the wine
Unlike its Bordeaux neighbors, the Petrus label does not bear the word "Château," simply because there is no château on the estate—only a cellar. The wine takes its name either from the specific vineyard site (*lieu-dit*) or from its Latin origins linked to Saint Peter (who appears on the label holding the keys to heaven).
Situated at the summit of the Pomerol plateau, the vines have an average age of 40 years and are planted at a density of 6,300 to 7,000 vines per hectare. Particular care is taken in tending the vineyard. Few great red wines are made exclusively from Merlot. Yet, in this unique terroir—characterized by its high clay content—the grape yields a texture of incomparable silkiness and unmatched depth. It is nothing short of majestic, boasting unrivaled power and richness. The wine is concentrated, voluptuous, and supple.
Pair this legendary wine with a dish of real character, such as truffle-stuffed pheasant *à la périgourdine*, hare stew, or roast shoulder of lamb with basil. Serve at 16–18°C. With fabulous aging potential, this wine can keep for over fifty years in certain vintages.