Petrus 1989 (750ML)

The 1989 Petrus comes across much more backward than the 1990 on this occasion. It is still youthful on the nose considering its age, almost broody at first, intense and focused. If it were an actor, it would be the English actor Tom Hardy in the reboot of "Mad Max". The fruit profile leans more towards black than red, then it unfurls and reveals gorgeous scents of eucalyptus and wild hearth, iron rust and chestnut. The palate is medium-bodied and shows more weight and density than the 1990. What distinguishes this Pomerol is the structure and the symmetry, the manner in which it fans out on the finish with bewitching detail and precision. Fermented grape juice in its myriad of forms, does not get better than the 1989 Petrus when it is in full flight. Tasted at the Petrus dinner at the Épure restaurant in Hong Kong. - Neal Martin, VM

I have always loved this wine. It's a giant, yet also sophisticated and reserved. Still dark-ruby colored, with beautiful aromas of fruits and spices. Full-bodied, with opulent fruit and a depth of flavor that lasts for minutes on the palate. Loads of tobacco and fruit.--Pétrus non-blind vertical. Best after 2010. –JS, Wine Spectator