Château Petrus, Ch. Petrus 1978

83 / 100 Robert Parker
I have never been a fan of the 1978 Petrus, but even I was ready to give it the benefit of doubt and be seduced when it was served out of an Imperial. The wine revealed a medium ruby color, followed by an herb, under-ripe tomato, vegetal nose, medium body, and average flavor concentration and length. It is neither distinguished nor Pomerol-like. It is hard to believe that auction prices for vintages such as 1978, or for that matter 1979, can remain so high, but Petrus has a mystique unlike any other red wine of France.
Wine Advocate #103 Feb 1996

89 / 100 Wine Spectator
Looks rather mature, with hints of garnet on the rim, but the aromas of tobacco, truffles and earth are decadent. Full-bodied, with rich, opulent flavors and a lovely ripe finish. Like an autumn day. Will improve.--Pétrus vertical. Drink now through 1995.
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17 / 20 Jancis Robinson
Intense colour. No shortage of fresh fruit and very obviously right bank. Clean and bright fruit. Some evolution but just not very rich. Not so obviously right bank as some other vintages of Petrus but very neat.
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