The velvety texture is clear even on the nose, with truffle and chocolate shavings giving a mouthwatering opener. This is a lighter-framed Petrus than the 1998 but still one that pulses with intensity and complexity of expression. The tannins are finely boned, gently laid out to cushion the olive paste, plum and blackberry fruit, and it shows no sign of slowing down at 21 years old. Jean-Claude Berrouet remembers that the vintage needed more vigilance in the cellar than the 1998, with the need to resist over-extraction that would artificially fill in any gaps, and the result is a balanced and lyrical wine. A vintage that shows the virtue of clay, and the virtue of Pomerol, in that its wines ripened earlier and were therefore not affected when the weather turned rainy later in September (harvest here was September 15, 16, 17 after what had been an early-ripening year overall). 50% new oak.
Tasted by Jane Anson (at Bordeaux, 07 Sep 2020)
Part of A 'monumental' tasting of Petrus, Le Pin and Lafleur 1998 and 1999

This wine is turning out much in the style of such wonderful Petrus vintages as 1967 and 1971. Although not as outstanding as either the 1998 or 2000, it displays beautiful intensity and finesse in a more evolved style than one normally expects from this estate. The wine has a dense, nearly opaque ruby/purple color, sweet black cherry, mulberry, truffle-infused fruit, full body, low acidity, admirable purity, and sweet tannin. It should be ready to drink in 5-6 years, and will last for two decades. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2030. Only 2,400 cases were produced.
-Robert Parker, Wine Advocate #140 Apr 2002

(90-94 pts)
Despite Christian Moueix's modesty, the 2,400 cases of 1999 Petrus will provide gorgeous drinking for the multi-millionaires who can afford it. Opaque ruby/purple-colored, with sweet black cherry, mulberry, and smoky, truffle-infused fruit, this full-bodied, opulent effort will be drinkable at an early age. It is beautifully knit, with great purity, and superb concentration and overall symmetry. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2025.
-Robert Parker, Wine Advocate #134 Apr 2001

(91-94 pts)
Revealing copious quantities of plum, black cherry, and mulberry-like fruit, it is a rich, deep, full-bodied effort with sweet tannin as well as a firm structure. Four to five years ... minimum ... of cellaring will be required. A top-flight Petrus. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2025.
-Robert Parker, Wine Advocate #128 Apr 2000

The 1999 Petrus was made by Jean-Claude Berrouet (his son Olivier was training at Haut-Brion at the time) and harvest was in early September. This has the best aromatics of any Pomerol that I have tasted alongside Lafleur, featuring lovely red berry fruit and black truffle, almost Burgundian in style and beautifully defined. The palate is medium-bodied with plenty of freshness and definition, touches of black truffle and sage infusing the red fruit. Perhaps the limitations of the growing season impinge upon the finish, which feels a little conservative in style, but this still ranks among the better Pomerols of the vintage. “Fine and delicate,” Oliver Berrouet remarked during the tasting, and I concur. Tasted from an ex-château bottle at the estate. Drink 2019 - 2032. Sept 2019

Very rich and spicy, this wine earns its special status in this vintage. Gloriously concentrated and hedonistic. Long and rich – very well done. Huge pleasure promised. Drink 2010 - 2030
JR - June 2009