Chateau Petrus 1982

Parker: From barrel, this remains one of the greatest wines I have ever tasted. Whether fining and filtration pulled more out of it than was intended, only the proprietor knows. However, the 1982 Petrus turned in a strong performance in Philadelphia in contrast to other tastings when it has been less than spectacular. The color reveals some amber at the edge. A sweet nose of caramel, roasted herbs, cherry jam, cedar, and smoke is followed by a thick, full-bodied, unctuously-textured, low acid Petrus that is approaching full maturity. This was a dazzling showing for this 1982, which has performed irregularly since birth. Although abundant tannin remains, the wine is sweet, smoky, and ideal for drinking now and over the next 20-25 years. A bottle drunk in France in March, 2000, was equally sublime. 98/100

Galloni: The 1982 Petrus is a wine I have been fortunate enough to taste perhaps a dozen times, however, this is the only occasion when it is served in magnum and at least based on this, it makes a world of difference compared to its lesser showings in bottle. Firstly, the colour is deeper, slightly more opaque. The bouquet is certainly tighter and more youthful with a little earthiness and singed leather infusing the dark berry fruit, later joined by a scintilla of shucked oyster shell. The palate is wonderful: fine tannin, perfectly pitched acidity, great depth and complexity than bottle examples. It felt almost flinty in the mouth, quite linear and direct with a very persistent finish. Advising folks to buy this wine in larger format sounds ridiculous to the 99.99% who could never afford it, but if your number has come up on the lottery, then heed my advice. Tasted at the Petrus dinner at the Épure restaurant in Hong Kong. 97/100