2016 - Petrus, Pomerol

Opaque purple-black colored, the 2016 Petrus slips effortlessly out of the glass with sanguine, seductive notes of kirsch, warm black plums, blueberry compote, red roses, Ceylon tea, violets, dark chocolate-covered cherries, licorice and cinnamon stick with wafts of iron ore, pencil lead, unsmoked cigars and crushed rocks. Full-bodied, profound and absolutely edifying on the palate, the densely packed, beautifully perfumed red and blue fruit layers possess a charge like defibrillators stimulating your heart to beat faster, each delivering achingly subtle floral and spice sparks, perfectly framed by very firm, very grainy tannins and bold freshness, finishing with incredible length and taking you to depths that extend to a provocative ferrous undercurrent. Stunning.

Getting to enjoy Petrus as it comes into full maturity is a glorious thing, and this combines fleshy promise of ripe damson fruits with subtle floral aromatics of crushed red roses. Fleshy yet with bite, fragrant and still peering over the line of maturity, the truffles that will surely come in a few years are not yet apparent, instead we are still on autumnal berries and toasted spice, underpinned by cocoa bean and liquorice. So good. 50% new oak, Olivier Berrouet winemaker.

The 2016 Petrus has a classically styled bouquet with intense blackberry, raspberry, dried blood and tobacco scents, very complex and mercurial in the glass. Wonderful delineation once again. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, a keen thread of acidity, gentle grip and a dash of cracked black pepper towards the finish. A bit "serious" at the moment, but there is long-term potential for sure. Complete. Tasted blind at the Southwold 10-Year-On tasting.

Tasted blind. Heady and Pomerol-esque on the nose which really draws you in with a promise of intrigue. Hint of cordite. Love or loathe but certainly dramatic. Slightly drying and hot on the end at the moment. (JR)