In 2018 Neal Martin attended a dinner in Hong Kong where 33 vintages of Petrus were tasted, dating form the mythical 1947 and 1949 vintages all the way up to 2015. Despite the many great bottles only one vintage merited a rare perfect score from him; the 1989.
In 2020 he repeated the exercise (poor him!) in London with 31 vintages of Petrus dating back to 1897. Once again only one vintage achieved a perfect score… the 1989.
Neal Martin has in fact rated the 1989 a perfect 100-points four times, so too has Robert Parker Jr (four times), Wine Spectator magazine and William Kelley just last year. It is without doubt that the 1989 is one of the greatest vintages of probably the world’s most famous wine.
We are excited to offer a perfect case for sale. Please do let us know if its of interest.
1989 Petrus
1 case (6x75cl) - £23,000
In bond OWC
"The 1989 Pétrus is the greatest vintage produced at this estate under Christian Mouiex's administration, and it's one of Winemaker Jean-Claude Berrouet's best. It not only rivals but may even surpass Haut-Brion for the title of "wine of the vintage," though I have never drunk them side by side, and the two are so different in style and so high in quality that such a comparison would probably be as futile as it would be pleasurable. Unfurling in the glass with a rich bouquet of dark berries, black truffles, exotic spices, cedar and loamy soil, it's full-bodied, broad and enveloping, with a deep and layered core of fruit framed by beautifully refined tannins and an immensely long finish. Textural and seamless, this profound Pomerol delivers everything that one dreams about when one reads about Pétrus."
100 points William Kelley, Wine Advocate (2023)
"The 1989 Petrus is consistent with previous bottles in the sense that it represents the apotheosis of not only the vineyard, but of Pomerol itself. It still provides that almost surreal cornucopia of aromas, red fruit melted with tar, tobacco, hints of camphor and ash, all delivered with astonishing precision. The palate is perfectly balanced, intense yet paradoxically weightless. This example is one of the finest I have encountered in terms of clarity and precision. Ethereal. If you want to taste a genuine 100-point wine then step this way. Magnificent!”
100 points Neal Martin, Vinous (2019)
“This wine is more tightly knit, more tannic, but every bit the blockbuster concentrated effort that its younger sibling, the 1990, is. It seems to need more coaxing from the glass, but the colour is virtually identical, a dense ruby/purple with no lightening at the edge. In the mouth the wine cuts a broad swath, with spectacular intensity, richness, massive concentration, and high levels of tannin, yet the wine is fabulously well-delineated and like its sibling, the 1990, has a finish that goes on for nearly a minute. It does not seem to be quite as evolved as the 1990, and my instincts suggest there is a bit more tannin, but both are as prodigious as Petrus can be. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2040.”
100 points Robert Parker Jr, Wine Advocate (2003)
“I have always loved this wine. It's a giant, yet also sophisticated and reserved. Still dark-ruby coloured, with beautiful aromas of fruits and spices. Full-bodied, with opulent fruit and a depth of flavor that lasts for minutes on the palate. Loads of tobacco and fruit.”
100 points Wine Spectator (2004)