Petrus Pomerol 2017

Petrus Pomerol 2017 is a 100% Merlot from Pomerol, Bordeaux, bottled at 14.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. This vintage earned 98 points from Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, 98 points from Wine Spectator, and 98 points from James Suckling — a rare triple crown that cements its standing among the finest wines of the vintage.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14.5%  |  Origin: Pomerol, Bordeaux, France  |  Vintage: 2017  |  Estate: Petrus  |  Varietal: 100% Merlot

Production & Heritage

Petrus sits atop the Pomerol plateau at roughly 40 meters elevation, where its vines plunge roots into a distinctive layer of blue clay — a dense, sticky smectite formation millions of years old that retains water exceptionally well. Petrus is the only Pomerol vineyard composed entirely of this rare blue clay over subsoils of hard iron, a geological distinction that profoundly shapes the wine's concentration and mineral character. Grapes are strictly hand-harvested, destemmed, and gently crushed before fermentation in concrete vats with approximately 30 days of maceration. Since the 2011 vintage, the estate has committed exclusively to Merlot, abandoning the small percentage of Cabernet Franc that occasionally appeared in earlier blends.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Deep garnet-purple in the glass, the 2017 opens with bold, expressive notes of Black Forest cake, blueberry preserves, and Christmas pudding. Layers of molten chocolate, Chinese five spice, candied violets, licorice, and kirsch unfold beneath wafts of roses and cinnamon stick.

Taste: The entry is full-bodied and round, delivering a torrent of pure raspberry fruit that extends effortlessly across the palate. The mid-palate reveals crushed berries, black olives, and incense alongside hints of vanilla and caramel. Tannins are extremely polished and refined — creamy in texture, melting seamlessly into the wine with a silky, vibrant freshness.

Finish: Long, delicate, and graceful, the finish carries a persistent core of cocoa-topped black raspberries, plums, chocolate, and bright cherries. Glints of mineral and rooibos tea linger tantalizingly as the wine slowly fades.

How to Drink Petrus 2017

Serve at cellar temperature, around 16–18°C (61–64°F), in large-bowled Bordeaux glasses. Decanting for at least two hours allows the wine's complex aromatics to fully open. Given its stature and concentration, neat appreciation is the definitive approach — this is not a wine that benefits from dilution or mixing.

Best For

• Marking a milestone birth year for a child born in 2017
• Anchoring a once-in-a-lifetime fine dining experience
• Adding a triple-98-point icon to a serious Bordeaux cellar
• Gifting a collector who values Pomerol's most legendary estate

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Petrus 2017 taste like? The dominant profile centers on pure, concentrated raspberry and blueberry fruit wrapped in creamy, polished tannins, with supporting layers of chocolate, violets, spice, and mineral that unfold over a long, graceful finish.

How does Petrus 2017 compare to Château Le Pin 2017? Both command top prices in Pomerol, but they are stylistically distinct: Le Pin tends to be more open, generous, and fruity earlier in its life, while Petrus is characteristically more structured and masculine, built for longer aging. The terroir difference is significant — Petrus draws from pure blue clay, whereas Le Pin sits on gravel and clay soils.

Is Petrus 2017 good for cellaring? With its exceptional concentration, refined tannin structure, and triple 98-point critical scores, the 2017 has substantial aging potential and should reward careful cellaring for decades, though it is already showing beautifully young.

Where is Petrus 2017 made? Petrus is located in the Pomerol appellation on Bordeaux's Right Bank in southwest France, positioned on the plateau's highest point where the estate's unique blue clay terroir reaches its purest expression.

What foods pair well with Petrus 2017? Seared duck breast with a cherry reduction complements the wine's dark fruit intensity. Braised short ribs echo its richness and spice. Black truffle risotto mirrors the earthy mineral undertones. Aged Comté or Gruyère cheese highlights the creamy tannin texture. Dark chocolate desserts with raspberry align with the finish.

What sizes does Petrus 2017 come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle, though Petrus is also produced in magnums (1.5L) and occasionally larger formats depending on allocation and availability.

Is Petrus 2017 worth the price? Petrus occupies the ultra-premium apex of the Bordeaux market, and the 2017 vintage — with its unanimous 98-point consensus from three of the world's most influential critics — positions firmly among the estate's finest recent releases, offering the depth and longevity collectors expect at this tier.

Why Petrus 2017?

The simultaneous 98-point scores from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, Wine Spectator, and James Suckling place the 2017 in rare company, even by Petrus standards. Its singular terroir — the only vineyard in Pomerol entirely composed of blue clay — gives it a mineral backbone and water-retaining advantage that no neighbor can replicate. The 100% Merlot composition, fermented and macerated for 30 days in concrete, produces a wine of remarkable purity and textural refinement. For collectors and enthusiasts seeking the essence of Pomerol expressed through one of the most celebrated plots of vineyard land on earth, the 2017 vintage delivers without qualification.