Petrus is unquestionably one of the strongest, richest, fullest, most powerful wines of the 1993 vintage. When Petrus enjoys an abundant, healthy crop, production averages between 4000-4500 cases. In 1992, only 2600 cases were produced, and in 1993, a mere 2000 cases. The result may be the wine of the vintage. The color is thick, black/purple. The nose offers up powerful scents of vanilla, Asian spices, black-cherries, and other sweet black fruits. Full-bodied, extremely concentrated, unctuous, and powerful, this massive, chewy, backward Petrus will need 10 years of cellaring and last for 25-35 years. It is revealing better sweetness and expansiveness of fruit on the mid-palate than its neighbor and rival, Lafleur. Hence, the slightly higher numerical rating. Don't anticipate full enjoyment of the 1993 Petrus before 2005.

After several uninspiring efforts between 1978 and 1988, it is irrefutable that Christian Moueix and his flagship estate, Petrus, have rebounded with a vengeance, producing a bevy of extraordinary wines, even in rain-plagued vintages such as 1992 and 1993. A candidate for the most concentrated wine of the vintage, this 1993 exhibits a saturated purple/plum color, and a sweet nose of black fruits, Asian spices, and vanilla. Huge and formidably rich, this powerful, dense, super-pure wine is a tour de force in winemaking. For a vintage not known for wines of this immense richness and length, this brawny, splendidly endowed Petrus possesses low acidity and high tannin, suggesting that 8-10 years of cellaring are required. This should be a 30-year wine, as well as the vintage's longest-lived effort. Very impressive!

First tasted July 2002. Typical of other 93's. Nose is a classy, but dry with green pepper, earthy notes. Palate lacks 1992's vigour and roundness. Dry tannins. Masculine with an earthy, feral finish. I prefer the 1992. Tasted again in May 2004. A deep garnet core. A surprising Medoc like nose with notes of earth and iron-rust. The palate is tannic, somewhat dry and minerally. Well-balanced but quite stern in character, not a Petrus the yields pleasure. Correct and conservative.