2009 Corton Le Rognet

The 2009 Corton Rognets is super-impressive. The heat of the vintage has filled out the Corton beautifully. Mint, wild flowers and sweet herbs are some of the nuances that develop around a core of expressive fruit. The 2009 needs a few more years to fully assimilate its 30% whole clusters, but it is very pretty, even today. Silky tannins support the finish. This is a great showing from Camille Giroud and winemaker David Croix. Anticipated maturity: 2019-2029. A Becky Wasserman Selection, Le Serbet, various American importers, including: Grand Cru Selections, New York, NY; tel. (212) 974-2500; Veritas Imports, Beverly Hills, CA; tel. (310) 205-3803; Toepfer Imports LLC, CO; tel. (303) 818-7640

(30% vendange entier ): Good medium red. Sappy raspberry, meat and underbrush on the nose and palate. Sweet and rich but not heavy, showing a fine-grained texture and a musky chocolate quality. Finishes with building tannins and a peppery component from the stems. I wanted a bit more primary fruit.

Round and very agreeable. Though very slightly soft and coffee flavoured. Then drying tannins on the end. Comfy, like a pair of old slippers with its round fruit though not challenging. (JR)