To say Petrus is a benchmark wine in Bordeaux is to state the obvious, but it’s fair to say that when this wine doesn't blow you away En Primeur, you know you are up against a challenging year. It's not to say this isn't impressive - there is density, as ever, and concentration, helped by the sticky clays that always encourage water stress even in difficult years, but the black fruits don't have the flesh that has been so abundant over recent vintages. As it opens, violet and peony aromatics begin to uncurl, along with earthier black truffle notes and waves of ferns, rosebuds, and liquorice bud. This has character and juice, showcasing many of the best things about the vintage, but not rising above it. Around 20% lower crop than usual, with a final yield of 33hl/h, harvest September 30 to October 5, 33hl/h yield.