2010 Corton Charlemagne

While not invisible, here there is much less overt sulfur influence which allows the green fruit, white flower, stone and green apple aromas to shine. The textured, intense and admirably pure flavors reflect perfectly the intense minerality of the appellation while finishing with a balanced, persistent, powerful and bone dry finale. As young Corton-Charlemagne can often be, this evidences a borderline chewy quality as there is so much extract. While I would expect this to arrive at its apogee at around 10 years of age, this is built to last for several decades. Once again, if you're tempted to try this young, do decant it for 30 to 60 minutes first. Don't Miss!

Less than three ha. East orientation at 330 m altitude. Informed by cool sun so always good acidity. This is always the last picked. North-to-south row orientation which keeps the grapes healthy and not too ripe. ‘30 years ago Bouchard Père et Fils was always afraid to be the last to pick but now we are proud to be last.’ The last wine they bottle. Very embryonic. He recommends this with salty cheese such as Beaufort or Comté. The best vintage they have in their cellars is 1958! There is indeed some saltiness in this wine. Racy. Very good Corton-Charlemagne. Racy and dense and juicy. Lots of energy here. Much livelier than many Corton-Charlemagnes. Impressive! Still chewy but with real energy. (JR)