Scores
97/100
The 2011 Pétrus is another utterly magical example of the vintage that will take plenty of cellaring before it fully blossoms, but will eventually outpace the more powerful 2010 at this estate. Olivier Berrouet commented that “with the 2011 having between ten and fifteen percent more tannins than the 2010, its elevage in new oak will be shorter this year as a result.” The team at Pétrus emphasized that “this was a vintage to restrain oneself in the vineyards and do nothing, so that the vines that were already suffering from the hydric stress would not be further shocked by any human intervention.” The wine has turned out brilliantly and will be a classic in fifteen or twenty years, as it offers up a deep and intense nose of black plums, black cherries, raw cocoa, woodsmoke, a beautiful base of soil, a touch of fresh herbs and a very suave and understated base of new oak. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, pure and impressively opulent in the mid-palate, with great focus and balance, ripe, substantial tannins and very long, pure, primary and perfectly balanced finish. A great Pétrus in the making.
John Gilman
Scores
97/100
This extravagantly perfumed wine has great juicy, ripe fruits. The tannic structure is almost secondary in the welter of ripe fruits, but it is enough to promise aging. Acidity and rich fruitiness partner each other to give a wine that is both fresh and powerful. *Cellar Selection*
Wine Enthusiast
Scores
95/100
This is tight and firm, with blueberry and blackberry character, and hints of sweet tobacco. Some wet earth, too. Black olives. Full body and very tight, with ultra-fine tannins and a fresh finish. Powerful and muscular. Try after 2023.
James Suckling
Scores
95/100
A dense ruby/purple-tinged color and restrained but intriguing aromas of kirsch, raspberry jam, wood spice, and mulberries are found in this full-bodied Petrus. An undeniable success in 2011, it is rich, layered and pure with light to moderate tannin, but seems slightly less muscular and tannic compared to its stablemate, Trotanoy. Forget it for a few years and drink it over the following 25 years. Made from 100% Merlot, it tips the scales at 13.5% alcohol. In short, it is typically open-knit and already showing very well. This is quite opulent.
Wine Advocate
Scores
18.5/100
Harvested 12-22 September, a week earlier than in 2010. 'We were very gentle in 2011', says Olivier Berrouet, since small berries meant that the tannins were actually higher than in 2010 and less ripe (lack of sunshine), so they wanted to extract the tannins earlier, before the alcohol started to climb, leading to the extraction of tougher tannins. The acidity very slightly higher, the alcohol lower. It could evolve to be like the 2001. Deep glossy dark crimson. Warm, restrained hedgerow fruit, a little biscuity note, a little spicy. Really tangy and so full of energy and life, the fruit sings. Very expressive and the oak firmly in the back seat. Juicy and soft at the front and mid palate, though there is a density under there, a firm foundation, an underground concentration. Very very long and real volume building in the mouth. Builds and builds in the mouth. Caressing and long. 18.5/20 points. Drink 2022-2040.
Jancis Robinson MW
97
