Château Pétrus Pomerol 1947 MAGNUM 1500ml

Here is a report on Château Pétrus Pomerol 1947 MAGNUM, one of the most mythical wines of the 20th century - a contemporary witness of the post-war period and the epitome of legendary Bordeaux elegance:

Château Pétrus Pomerol 1947 MAGNUM

Winery: Château Pétrus (Pomerol, Bordeaux)
Vintage: 1947 ⭐ ("vintage of the century" for Pomerol)
Format: Magnum (1.5 litres)
Grape variety: 95-100% Merlot (typical for Pétrus)
Soil: Deep "crasse de fer" (iron oxide clay)

Historical context & significance

• Post-war labelling:The wine was created at a time when resources were scarce (steel for barrels, paper for labels). Many bottles therefore bear simple, hand-lettered labels - a collector's item today.

• Climate extremes: 1947 was characterised by a scorching hot summerwith record temperatures (>40°C), which led to a unique concentration of grapes. Spontaneous fermentations (lack of temperature control at the time!) gave the wine its notorious "wild" energy.

• Magnum rarity: Magnum bottles of this vintage are extremely rare - they age more slowly and are considered a reference for perfect provenance.

Sensory & tasting notes

(Based on documented tastings by Robert Parker, Michael Broadbent & Pétrus-Domaine, among others)

• Colour: Amazingly deep garnet red with an amber rim (signs of age).

• Nose: Exotic ripeness (plum jam, figs, cherry liqueur), carried by tertiary aromas:

  • Truffle, tobacco, cedar wood

  • Undertones of cocoa, wet leaves and "crasse de fer" minerality.

• Palate:

  • Opulent texture (almost oily) laced with vibrant acidity.

  • Fullness of flavour: apricot jam, preserved black cherries, leather and a hint of juniper.

  • Finish: Minutes of length with melting tannins and a salty note.

• Speciality: Despite its 77+ years, the wine appears powerfully youthful - a paradox of the Pétrus terroir.

"The '47 Pétrus is not a wine, but a force of nature - a volcano of Merlot wrapped in velvet."
- Michael Broadbent (1927-2020), wine legend

Vintage 1947: The "Black Prince" of Pomerol

• Terroir phenomenon: The iron-rich clay soils of Pomerol store water despite the heat and protect the grapes from heat stress.

• Vinification: Spontaneous fermentations led to high residual sugar and alcohol (approx. 14-14.5%, unusual for Bordeaux at the time).

• Controversy: Some bottles developed VA (volatile acidity) - but intact magnums are surprisingly fresh.

Ratings & myth

• Robert Parker: 100/100 ("One of the greatest wine experiences of my life").

• Michael Broadbent: 5/5 stars ("Perfection - richer than the 1961, more complex than the 1982").

• Auction record: A magnum realised $ 84,000 USD at Sotheby's in 2022.

Storage & drinking window

• Provenance is everything: only cool (12-14°C) and dark stored magnums are intact. Fill level ≥ "upper mid-shoulder" is mandatory!

• Drinking maturity: At its peak - lasts until 2050+ if stored perfectly.

Pairing recommendation

• Idea 1: Venison with truffle jus (fillet of venison, saddle of venison).

• Idea 2: Duck confit and porcini mushrooms.

• Idea 3: Pure as a contemplative experience (decant for 3 hours!).

Conclusion: A living monument

The Pétrus 1947 Magnum is more than just a wine - it is a piece of contemporary history. Its opulent, almost surreal richness and simultaneous freshness defy all the rules of ageing. Few wines in the world epitomise the term "legend" so clearly. It is the Holy Grail for collectors and a revelation for tasters.

"1947 is not a Pétrus - it is the king of Merlots, crowned by fire and ice."
- Jacques Dupont, Le Point

Would you like details of current auction offers, comparisons with other Pétrus vintages (e.g. 1961, 1982, 2000) or scientific analyses of the "1947 magic"?