Château Pétrus

Château Pétrus is renowned for being composed almost entirely of Merlot grapes, a rarity among top-tier Bordeaux wines which are often Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant. The estate's clay-rich soils are uniquely suited for Merlot, allowing the vines to produce incredibly concentrated and plush fruit. In certain vintages, the blend may include a tiny fraction of Cabernet Franc, but Merlot remains the undisputed star.

The astronomical price of Château Pétrus is driven by an intense global demand paired with an exceptionally small production volume of around 2,500 cases per year. The estate covers just over 28 acres, meaning there is simply not enough wine to satisfy the market. Its consistent status as a symbol of luxury and its history of perfect 100-point scores from critics further inflate its price.

Château Pétrus is currently owned by the Moueix family, who have been the sole proprietors and exclusive négociants since 1964. The family, led by Jean-François Moueix and his son Edouard, brought modern viticulture techniques to the estate while preserving its traditional winemaking heritage. Their management has been instrumental in cementing Pétrus's modern reputation as the king of Pomerol.

Château Pétrus is built for extreme longevity and typically requires a minimum of 15 to 20 years of cellaring to soften its formidable tannins. In great vintages, the wine can easily continue to evolve and improve for 50 years or more in a proper cellar environment. The high proportion of Merlot provides a rich, velvety texture in its youth that transforms into complex, savory tertiary aromas with age.