Petrus: The Essential Guide

P etrus is widely considered one of the most revered wine producers in the world, with extremely low volume production of this Pomerol estate remaining consistently in high demand. In 2023 Sotheby's sold more Petrus than any other Bordeaux estate, based on sales value, and the 1961 vintage was the most expensive Bordeaux wine sold through our global network of auctions.

Situated in Pomerol on the Right Bank of the Bordeaux winemaking region, Petrus rose to prominence from 1945 onwards, spearheaded by the sole owner at the time, Madame Loubat. Whilst not officially a First Growth under the Classification of 1855 (Right Bank properties, including Pomerol, were not included), most collectors group Petrus alongside those winemaking heavyweights (Latour, Lafite Rothschild, Mouton Rothschild and Haut Brion).

In this essential guide we profile Petrus, helping wine lovers to understand this iconic estate.

A Brief History of Petrus

The rise of Petrus to international prominence began in the post-World War II period, when it transitioned from a regional Pomerol wine to one of the most sought-after producers in the world. Prior to this period, Petrus was relatively obscure, despite its first appearance in records in 1837, at the time under the ownership of the Arnaud family.

It was Madame Loubat, who became sole owner in 1945, that fully recognised the potential of Petrus and laid the foundations for its future success. This included appointing the visionary Bordeaux wine merchant Jean-Pierre Moueix as sole agent in 1945.

Moueix proved adept at marketing Petrus internationally, particularly in the lucrative US market. By 1969, the Moueix family were majority owners of Petrus (and remain so today). Under Jean-Pierre's leadership, alongside his son Christian who oversaw 38 vintages, Petrus developed a reputation for exceptional quality and exclusivity.

The Moueix’s commitment to meticulous vineyard management and selective production helped ensure the wine's consistency and rarity, establishing Petrus as one of the world's most coveted and prestigious wines.

Petrus in the Modern Era

Petrus remains majority owned by the Moueix family, with production overseen by winemaker Olivier Berrouet. Berrouet previously worked at Cheval Blanc in the north-west of St Emilion, which borders Pomerol. Berrouet continues the estate's commitment to quality, only releasing wines deemed to meet the high standards of Petrus. In 1956, 1965 and 1991, particularly bad years in Pomerol, no Petrus was made

Petrus continues to only produce one wine, in very small volumes, underpinning the huge demand globally.

Winemaking Style of Petrus

The winemaking style of Petrus is rooted in the unique terroir of its 11.4-hectare Pomerol vineyard.

Unlike many Bordeaux wines, Petrus is composed entirely of Merlot, a grape variety that thrives in the estate’s distinctive, cool, clay-rich soil. Whilst Petrus used to have Cabernet Franc vines in the past, these have now all been removed from the estate.

Petrus is located at the top of the highest elevation in Pomerol, providing good drainage. Crucially, the estate’s soil consists of a high percentage of iron-rich smectite clay, called crasse de fer. This means that in the dry summer months the Petrus vines are still able to find essential moisture.

The vines are meticulously tended to, with Petrus being among the first estates in Bordeaux to implement green harvesting to lower yields and improve quality of the remaining grapes. Whilst this leads to some of the lowest yields in Bordeaux, the optimum ripeness and quality of the grapes used is ensured.

After hand-harvesting over several days the grapes are fermented in concrete tanks, with temperature carefully controlled. The young wine is then aged in around 50% of new French oak for 18-20 months.

In an average year yields will typically be at only 2,500-3,000 cases, with this figure materially lower in more challenging vintages such as 2003.

Recent Vintages of Petrus

Sotheby's wine experts work with many vintages of Petrus, providing detailed cataloguing notes for all wines, including provenance and often tasting notes. Below we include a selection of tasting notes for relatively recent vintages (by Petrus standards) provided by our Honorary Chairman Serena Sutcliffe MW. These reflect the essence of Petrus and the reason for its admiration by collectors worldwide.

Petrus 2015

40 hl/ha made, the best yield since 2011. The harvest was prolonged, picking in order of the vine age in the parcels. There is great power and complexity, plus high alcohol, which you do not 'see'. A glorious, distinguished nose, followed by so much volume. Glycerol gumminess, 'irony' and sheer opulence over the structure. Coffee notes and sumptuous textures, with everything rolling round the mouth. This is a grand grand vin - make no mistake here.

Petrus 2014

That wonderful roses, come-and-get-me nose of class and pleasure. The taste is full of roses and liquorice, fine-textured and succulent. Finishes with real power and imposing peacock-tail expansion of flavours that really pull you up. The tannins are there, but in perfect harmony.

Petrus 2012

Spicy, plummy nose. Gloriously rich and opulent on the palate with layers of ripeness and, at the same time, perfectly balanced acidity. The taste does the talking. Layers of raspberries and blackberries and a lovely fresh sign off. The richness has a certain lightness of touch. Distinguished.

Petrus 2011

100% Merlot. Very pure, very Petrus nose. Very plush and lush yet perfectly balanced. Great freshness emphasising the pure joy of fruit. The 15% more tannin than in 2010 is hidden by the alluring fruit.

Petrus 2010

Lovely big, bloomy nose - one immediately knows this is a Bordeaux Great. Ripeness, power and beautiful acidity. Glossy liquorice and glycerol. Fabulous aromatic quality. This is a giant wine.

Buying and Selling Petrus Wine at Sotheby’s

Sotheby's is on hand to support your next Petrus wine purchase or consignment. Our global network of fine wine specialists have brought thousands of Petrus bottles to market, across our global network of auction locations. Whether new to wine auctions or a longstanding oenophile, to partner with Sotheby's is to be part of a welcoming global community of wine collectors and enthusiasts.