100 Robert Parker
The phenomenally rich, well-endowed 1990 Petrus has been magical from the first time I tasted it in cask. The color is a dense, jammy plum/purple. The wine possesses a knock-out nose of black fruits intertwined with aromas of toasty new oak, caramel, and flowers. Massively rich and full-bodied, with slightly lower acidity and sweeter tannin than its older sibling, the 1989, the 1990 is an extraordinarily rich, seamless wine with layers of flavor, and a finish that lasts for nearly 45 seconds. Although it is remarkably accessible because of its voluptuous texture, this wine has not begun to develop secondary nuances. It should hit its peak in 10-15 years, and last for three decades. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2035. Last tasted 11/97
100 James Suckling
This is a legend and lives up to it. Dense and opulent with layers of ripe, powerful, pure and rich fruit across the board. I have been lucky enough to drink this a number of times and it doesn't change
20 Rene Gabriel
13: In Holland: Aufhellendes Granat. In der süssen Nase Pralinen, Kokos, rote Pflaumen, Feigen, Eisenkraut, Minze, ein Hauch wilder Rosmarin, offen und ausladend. Im Gaumen rotfruchtig im Extrakt erkaltete Himbeerenkonfitüre und Hagebuttengelée zeigend, weisser Pfeffer, Ingwer, gebunden und cremig mit einer sensationellen Balance, im Finale fein grüne Würze (das hat Le Pin 1990 auch!), floraler Schimmer aber die bombige Frucht überwiegt das grossartige Finale. Ein sehr burgundischer Pétrus, der reif wäre, sofern man hätte. (20/20). 14: Sattes, dichtes Granat immer noch rubine, ja fast violette Reflexen zeigend. Ein Traumbouquet, volle Fruchtüsse von just gepickten, aber auch leicht konfierten Früchten, viel Himbeeren, Maulbeeren, rotes Cassis, viel Kokos, ein Hauch Caramel, die absolute Komplexität in der Nase und fraglos berauschend, dies aber in einer delikaten, vielschichtigen Form. Im Gaumen saftig, elegant, royale Adstringenz, die Tannine strahlen Süsse aus und sind überall zu finden, beim Schlürfen kommt das ganz grosse Pétrusparfüm mit Kokos, Ingwer, Zitronenmelisse und kandierten, caramelisierten Zitronenschalen, cremiges, gebüdeltes Finale. Während der 1989er Pétrus immer noch Zeit braucht, ist das jetzt eine hemmungslose Symphonie. Leider wirken die mehr als 3000 Franken Marktpreis wohl etwas wiederholungs-hemmend.
98 Wine Spectator
That hasn't changed. A classy wine that's almost as great as the awesome '89. Expressive and sophisticated, with wonderful ripe fruit and vanilla aromas. The palate is extremely silky with superb flavor concentration. It's very muscular but refined and toned. Still too young to open.--Ptrus non-blind vertical. Best after 2007. 3,700 cases made. JS
The phenomenally rich, well-endowed 1990 Petrus has been magical from the first time I tasted it in cask. The color is a dense, jammy plum/purple. The wine possesses a knock-out nose of black fruits intertwined with aromas of toasty new oak, caramel, and flowers. Massively rich and full-bodied, with slightly lower acidity and sweeter tannin than its older sibling, the 1989, the 1990 is an extraordinarily rich, seamless wine with layers of flavor, and a finish that lasts for nearly 45 seconds. Although it is remarkably accessible because of its voluptuous texture, this wine has not begun to develop secondary nuances. It should hit its peak in 10-15 years, and last for three decades. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2035. Last tasted 11/97
