The 2013 Petrus Bordeaux Blend presents a remarkable example of winemaking finesse from the challenging 2013 vintage in Pomerol, Bordeaux. This wine stands out with its deep color and complex flavor profile, reflecting the producer's adept handling of the vintage's difficulties. As noted by Decanter, the wine is "dense and opulent on the nose, with black cherry aromas" and is described as "powerful" with "ample force and extraction." Such characteristics underscore the wine's rich concentration, a notable achievement given the year's conditions.
Wine Enthusiast rates the 2013 Petrus an impressive 95, highlighting its "ripe, juicy" nature and "velvet tannic structure," which promises longevity and development over time. The wine's freshness is a recurring theme among reviewers, with Wine Spectator also praising its "excellent energy for the vintage" and a core of "raspberry coulis, bitter plum, and bright cherry preserves."
James Suckling lauds the wine's "ultra-fine tannins" and "medium bodied" nature, noting its "beautiful density and texture." Meanwhile, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate emphasizes the wine's "gentle and unassuming" aromatics, which remain distinctly Pomerol and Petrus, despite the lighter vintage.
The influence of winemaker Olivier Berrouet is evident in the consistent quality, as he aimed to "not push too much" with the oak, opting for 45% new oak, as mentioned by Robert Parker's Wine Advocate. This careful approach has yielded a wine with "fine-grained tannins" and a focus on the purity of fruit, as noted by Jeff Leve.
Overall, the 2013 Petrus is a testament to skillful winemaking, delivering a wine that, despite the vintage challenges, "feels unforced and full of pleasure," according to Jane Anson. With its rich fruit layers and elegant structure, this wine offers both immediate enjoyment and potential for further aging.