Farr Vintners Logo

Pétrus 1998

RegionBordeaux
Subregion France > Bordeaux > Right Bank > Pomerol
ColourRed
TypeStill
Grape VarietyMerlot

View all vintages of this wine | View all wines by Petrus

Label

Tasting Notes

The greatest wine produced at this estate since the formidable duo of 1989 and 1990 is the 1998 Pétrus, a magical bottle that is a lot more complex and expressive today than was the case only a handful of years ago. Bursting with aromas of dark berries, pencil shavings, violets, licorice and black truffle, it's full-bodied, rich and seamless, with incredible depth at the core, beautifully refined tannins and a long, resonant finish. Even though this is probably the richest, most textural wine of the vintage, the 1998 isn't quite as broad and concentrated as the 1989, but if anything, it's even more precise and delineated.

100
William Kelley, Wine Advocate, December 2023

Tasted at the Pomerol Comparative Exploration tasting in London, the 1998 Petrus must surely be the decade's pinnacle of the Right Bank. The aromatics are a masterclass of control and precision, yet it is also one of the most intense bouquets that has ever been produced at the estate. Dark berries, black truffle, hints of violet and iris, a touch of Indian ink burst from the glass all with otherworldly delineation so that the aromas never overwhelm. The palate is supremely controlled with filigree tannin, a silver bead of acidity and utter harmony. Compared to a few years ago, this Petrus appears to have calmed down since its exuberant youth, gaining maturity and sophistication. This is a "complete" Petrus that is magnificent in every department. Drink 2020 - 2060.

99
Neal Martin, vinous.com, February 2018
100
Robert Parker, Hedonists Gazette, September 2014

Very dark crimson with some evolution. Very pointed, concentrated nose. A bit oaky. Not as comfortable as some of the St Emilions. Very concentrated. Rich, dramatic and emphatic. Hint of Ribera del Duero! Long future… Burnt.

18
Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com, March 2006
Read more tasting notes...

Christian Moueix feels the 1998 is even better than his 1989 or 1990, and he ultimately may be proven right. However, it will be 5-6 years or more before it can be known which of these profound efforts might turn out to be the most compelling. The 1998 Petrus is unquestionably a fabulous effort boasting a dense plum/purple colour as well as an extraordinary nose of black fruits intermixed with caramel, mocha, and vanilla. Exceptionally pure, super-concentrated, and extremely full-bodied, with admirable underlying acidity as well as sweet tannin, it reveals a superb mid-palate in addition to the luxurious richness for which this great property is known. The finish lasts for 40-50 seconds. Patience will definitely be required. Production was 2,400 cases about 1,600 cases less than normal. Anticipated maturity 2010-2040.

100
Robert Parker, Bordeaux Book (4), January 2003
100
Robert Parker, Wine Buyers Guide (6), December 2002

The 1998 Petrus is unquestionably a fabulous effort boasting a dense plum/purple color as well as an extraordinary nose of black fruits intermixed with caramel, mocha, and vanilla. Exceptionally pure, super-concentrated, and extremely full-bodied, with admirable underlying acidity as well as sweet tannin, it reveals a superb mid-palate in addition to the luxurious richness for which this great property is known. The finish lasts for 40-45 seconds. Patience will definitely be required. Production was 2,400 cases, about 1,600 cases less than normal

98
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (134), April 2001

With a production of 2,300 cases and extremely low yields (35 hectoliters per hectare), it is not surprising that this is a virtually perfect Petrus. The color is an opaque black/purple. It is dense, rich, concentrated, and powerful. If the tannin achieves total integration, it will merit a perfect score. At present, this 1998 is enormous, with huge volume, an unctuous texture, sensational concentration, and a closed, muscular style. Notes of jammy black fruits, truffles, licorice, earth, and espresso become apparent as the wine sits in the glass. At present, this is a backward, immense Petrus that is powerful, tannic, and muscular. Nevertheless, every component is present for a long evolution of 40-50 years. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2045.

97/100
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (128), April 2000
96/98+
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (122), April 1999
100
Robert Parker, Bordeaux Book (1), September 1986
Please note that these tasting notes/scores are not intended to be exhaustive and in some cases they may not be the most recently published figures. However, we always do our best to add latest scores and reviews when these come to our attention. We advise customers who wish to purchase wines based simply on critical reviews to carry out further research into the latest reports.