98 pts - Wine Advocate
The 1998 Petrus is unquestionably a fabulous effort boasting a dense plum/purple color as well as an extraordinary nose of black fruits intermixed with caramel, mocha, and vanilla. Exceptionally pure, super-concentrated, and extremely full-bodied, with admirable underlying acidity as well as sweet tannin, it reveals a superb mid-palate in addition to the luxurious richness for which this great property is known. The finish lasts for 40-45 seconds. Patience will definitely be required. Production was 2,400 cases, about 1,600 cases less than normal. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2040 - WA, RP (4/2001)
100 pts - Wine Spectator
Fantastic. Dark ruby color with hints of purple. Glorious aromas of blackberry, tobacco, cedar and slightly wet earth. Full-bodied, with supersilky tannins and a fabulous finish. This is subtle and refined. Wonderful length. Tasted side by side with the 2000 Petrus, it is clearly better. Today, I give it two points higher than previous tastings. Perfection.--Petrus non-blind vertical. Best after 2012. –JS WS
95 pts - Vinous
Saturated ruby-red. Multidimensional nose melds black raspberry, mulberry, toffee, minerals, rose petal and roasted oak. Great sweetness, volume and depth; thick but magically light on its feet. Grows broader on the back half with no loss of shape. Firm underlying backbone is currently hidden by seamless fruit. Finishes with big but noble tannins and terrific grip and subtle persistence. This and the hugely concentrated L'Eglise-Clinet may well turn out to be the two top wines of the vintage.- Stephen Tanzer (5/2)