2010 Chandon de Briailles Corton Clos du Roi Grand Cru

(100% whole clusters; this has been racked): Good medium red. Floral, rather delicate nose. Then sappy and expressive on the palate, with a distinctly high-toned impression to the flavors of flowers, exotic spices and minerals. The soil is like that of Corton-Charlemagne just above it, notes Claude de Nicolay, which is what gives the wine its firm acidity and limestone character. Boasts terrific tension without any impression of weight. Finishes with splendid mineral density and outstanding subtle, mounting length. The crop level here was just 15 hectoliters per hectare and the wine was aged in two 350-liter, six-year-old barrels from Domaine Dujac. Leaves the salivary glands quivering. This wine and the Bressandes should go on for decades.