2022 Corton Charlemagne

According to Corney & Barrow's description of this wine, 'The two finest plots on the majestic hill of Corton, le Charlemagne and En Charlemagne, suffered terribly from the 2021 frosts. As if in recompense they seem to have poured out their soul in 2022'. And indeed they have. Vine age 60 years, yield a generous 52.4 hl/ha. Harvested 8–13 September and bottled 5 December 2023. Total production 1,757 x 12. Piercingly pure citrus, with a very fine flinty touch but no obvious reduction (ie no struck match). Suggestion of stone quarry and crushed white stones. At first a subtle note of lime yet dominated by grapefruit and a pithy quality that is part aroma and part taste. On the palate, great depth of fruit, a gentle grip and firmness of texture that slows the wine’s passage across your palate to a very, very long and mouth-watering finish. Although it is beautifully fresh, the acidity is an undercurrent only, not the lead player. (JH)

The 2022 Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru was picked 8 to 13 September at 52.4 hL/ha. This is the fourth vintage since its debut. The 2022 has a complex bouquet, leaning a little more toward yellow fruit, hints of vanilla pod and melted candlewax. Perhaps there was a soupçon more mineralité in the 2021, which would be expected given the cooler growing season. The palate is medium-bodied with a very harmonious entry and pinpoint acidity that lends this simmering tension from start to finish. There is a little "bite" on the finish, a shard of stoniness that leaves you wanting more. I actually find more complexity here compared to the previous vintage. It should mature with style. 1,757 cases produced.