2018 Corton Clos du Roi

The 2018 Corton Clos-du-Roi Grand Cru was the standout when I assessed the 2018s out of barrel; now, in bottle, I have no reason to alter that view. Displaying spellbinding delineation and clarity on the nose, this articulates the terroir extremely well, offering precise red fruit mixed with crushed rock/flinty aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-boned tannins, unerring purity and a silky texture that lingers long in the mouth. Feel that salinity tingling on the tongue after the wine has departed. Pure, unadulterated Pinoté!

The 2018 Corton Clos-du-Roi Grand Cru comes from the upper contours of the slope. The wonderful bouquet of ebullient red cherry and crushed strawberry fruit is laced with truffle and undergrowth. This is the most sensual of Chandon des Briailles’s Cortons. The palate is medium-bodied with very supple tannins, a superb line of acidity, a cashmere texture and multilayered red berry fruit mixed with Moroccan spices and white pepper on the long finish. Brilliant.