This dark garnet-colored wine shows considerable amber at the edge. I have always had a tenency to taste this side by side with the 1971 and it has been fascinating how the 1971 was fully mature at a much younger age yet continued to hold onto life without losing any of its seductive fruit and intensity. The 1970 started off life more tannic backward massive but needing considerable time and it has now hit full stride. It is a profound Petrus and certainly one of the great Petrus' of the last half century. The wine has a huge nose of cedar caramel vanilla tobacco fruitcake and licorice-infused black cherry jam. It is unctuously textured and very full-bodied with extraordinary sweetness and glycerin and a layered viscous finish. This wine should continue to drink well for at least another 20 years. Anticipated maturity: Now-2025. Last tasted 11/02.

The intensity in the nose of the 1970 Petrus gives this wine away being ever so concentrated and intense, oozing with deep fruit, stamina, and cassis. It is typical for Petrus to display such an elegant powerhouse style and you cannot feel nor taste the age at all. It is probably on its peak now but it does not show any signs of cracking up so should be able to stay at this level for many years to come. - Ivar Bjurner