1983 Château Petrus

The 1983 Petrus is a vintage that I have only encountered on one or two occasions. It has an easygoing nose with leather and game, perhaps a little dustiness that detracts from its definition. It is not fatigued but you could say that the batteries are down to a single bar. The palate is balanced but rather angular, the tannins now having dried out somewhat and there is some bitterness evident on the finish. This is never going to be a great or arguably even a good Petrus. Drink soon. Tasted at the Petrus dinner at the Épure restaurant in Hong Kong.

Weedy, herbaceous, vegetal notes intermixed with notes of tea, earthy cherries, and a hint of licorice are all present in the aromas and the attack. In the mouth the wine is medium-bodied and beginning to shows some very hard, astringent tannin in the finish, which has become increasingly attenuated over the last several years. This wine needs to be drunk up. Another disappointing Petrus. Anticipated maturity: Now. Last tasted, 11/02.

What you'd expect from such a legendary estate. Wonderful palate impression with silky, rich fruit. Plenty of blackberry and chocolate character, has a full body and medium finish. Needs time. Try after 1997.--The Bordeaux 50. James Suckling, Wine Spectator 1994