Little known 50 years ago, Petrus has become mythical for the uniqueness of its wine. The wine’s inimitability is due to many factors. Among them is an exceptional terroir—located 40 meters above sea level, the highest point of the appellation—with a layer of heavy clay soil and an iron subsoil.

These are ideal conditions for the expression of the Merlot grape and the iron-rich clay is relatively unique within the region. As a result, the 28 acre vineyard is planted only to Merlot. Average vine age is more than 50 years, and are allowed to reach 70 years before replanting.

The approach in the vineyard and cellar is traditional and respectful of the special terroir. The viticulture is fastidious—severe pruning in the winter, regular ploughing, crop-thinning, de-leafing, manicuring the clusters in the summer—and allows perfect ripening of the fruit. Grapes are manually harvested over just two days and sorted before crush.

Ets. Jean-Pierre Moueix purchased half a share of Petrus in the early 1960s and are largely credited with its rise to fame. The company also owns many other properties in both Pomerol and Saint-Emilion, including Magdelaine, Belair-Monange, La Fleur-Petrus, Lafleur-Gazin, Lagrange, Latour a Pomerol, Hosanna, and Trotanoy.

Fermentation for Petrus is carried out gently, without any over extraction, in temperature controlled concrete tanks. The blend, typically pure Merlot, is defined in December and the wine is aged 18+ months in French oak barrels, 50% of which are new.

Petrus displays an intense color, a rich and complex nose and an opulent fruit. In great vintages, the wine can easily be kept 25 years or more.

The 2013 Petrus from Bordeaux, France is a red wine that exemplifies the artistry of winemaking. With its deep color and lucid appearance, this wine is visually captivating. On the nose, it gently unfolds with enticing aromas of black cherries, iodine, potpourri, and a touch of bilberry. These aromatics are delicate and unassuming, yet still very much representative of the Pomerol region and the Petrus estate.

On the palate, the 2013 Petrus is medium-bodied and impressively well-structured for its vintage. The tannins lend a grainy mouthfeel, while the wine maintains a fresh and saline quality, devoid of any greenness. It showcases a sharpness on the finish, almost clinical in its precision. While it may not be the best Petrus ever made, it surpasses off-vintages such as the 1986 and 1996.

Several esteemed wine publications have praised the 2013 Petrus. Neal Martin's Wine Journal awarded it a score of 91, commending its attractive nose, well-structured palate, and fresh finish. Wine Spectator also awarded it a score of 92, highlighting its excellent energy, depth, and rare complexity for the vintage. Wine Enthusiast awarded it an impressive score of 95, describing it as ripe, juicy, and already displaying concentration and depth. James Suckling awarded it a score of 94, noting its fine structure, density, and length. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate also awarded it a score of 91, echoing the praise for its attractive aromatics, medium-bodied structure, and saline mouthfeel. Jeff Leve, from The Wine Cellar Insider, awarded it a score of 95, emphasizing its silkiness, elegance, and fine-grained tannins. Jane Anson, from janeanson.com, awarded it a score of 93, lauding its grip, character, and confident winemaking. Decanter awarded it a score of 95, celebrating its density, opulence, and powerful nature.

The 2013 Petrus is a wine that showcases the skill and expertise of its winemaker, Olivier Berrouet. With its enticing aromas, well-structured palate, and impressive depth, it is a wine that will undoubtedly continue to evolve and delight over the years. While it is already showing its potential, it is recommended to wait until at least 2020 to fully experience its beauty. Whether enjoyed now or cellared for the future, the 2013 Petrus is a remarkable Bordeaux blend that stands as a testament to the artistry and excellence of the Petrus estate.