The world-famous Château Petrus is the certainly the most celebrated wine from the appellation of Pomerol. Despite its immense reputation, the chateau itself is rather more modest than one would expect. The success of this wine is built on the meticulous attention to detail and impeccable vinification employed by the late Madame Loubat. The blend is 95% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, and the vines are old, with an average age of 42-45 years. Situated atop a 20-hectare island mound, the Petrus boutonnière, the topsoil and the subsoil beneath Pétrus' vineyards consists of a high percentage of iron-rich clay. This is another factor which sets it apart, as neighbouring vineyards share a mixture of gravel-sand or clay-sand. Eclaircissage is used in order to maintain a low yield and maximise the quality of the remaining grapes. Grapes are harvested manually over two to three days, although diminutive size of the vineyard is such that harvesting can be completed in one day if necessary. The wine of Château Petrus is utterly distinctive and has very little in common with those of the surrounding properties. It has a near- chewy, unctuous quality of richness and power, and an exceptional depth of colour, with wonderful definition of flavour and bouquet.