1943 Petrus 

BY NEAL MARTIN | NOVEMBER 28, 2022

In my continuing and futile attempt to drink every Petrus of the 20th century, I ticked off one of the lesser-known war vintages this summer. Incidentally, it was served blind, and though I identified the château, I was quite a few years out on the vintage. Maybe even decades!

The 1943 Petrus comes from a tricky wartime season, one where the previous vintage has a little more renown. Of course, that is a moot point given the background. Showing commensurate signs of age for an almost 80-year-old Pomerol, the 1943 is entrancing, with a nose of black plum, nougat, fireside hearth and black truffle. There is something warm about the aromatics that are just a touch frayed around the edges. The palate has maintained excellent balance, surprisingly plush with more fruit than expected, while an underlying balsamic edge keeps the senses alert. The 1943 is not as profound as the 1945 nor the 1947, yet it demonstrates why then proprietor M.me Loubat cared for her vineyard so much. It’s a time-buckling, sublime and delicious Pomerol that I strongly doubt I will ever drink again. 91/Drink 2022-2032.

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