Château Pétrus 2020

Extremely powerful, this has the concentration of the vintage no question, but it is oh so slowly dealt out. Despite the clear water reserves in the soils of Petrus, the Merlot still slowed down its ripening over the dry summer – just 30mm of rain here in August – before suddenly accelerating in September. A ton of acidity alongside silky seductive tannins, dense and powerful with violet floral notes streaking through the fruit as it opens. Gorgeous balance with unmistakable personality. Yields here were around 39hl/ha. 3.6pH. Harvest September 5 to 18. Drinking window: 2029-2050. Score – 98. (Jane Anson, decanter.com)