The 1982 Petrus is a wine I have been fortunate enough to taste perhaps a dozen times, however, this is the only occasion when it is served in magnum and at least based on this, it makes a world of difference compared to its lesser showings in bottle. Firstly, the colour is deeper, slightly more opaque. The bouquet is certainly tighter and more youthful with a little earthiness and singed leather infusing the dark berry fruit, later joined by a scintilla of shucked oyster shell. The palate is wonderful: fine tannin, perfectly pitched acidity, great depth and complexity than bottle examples. It felt almost flinty in the mouth, quite linear and direct with a very persistent finish. Advising folks to buy this wine in larger format sounds ridiculous to the 99.99% who could never afford it, but if your number has come up on the lottery, then heed my advice. (NM)