1999 Domaine Faiveley Corton Clos des Cortons Faiveley Grand Cru***

Healthy full medium red. Spectacular fully ripe aromas of blackberry, black cherry, graphite and minerals. Intense on entry, then sappy, penetrating and powerful in the middle palate, with its black and red fruit and mineral flavors delivering superb concentration for this generous vintage, without any impression of heaviness. This compellingly dense wine delivers hillside notes of dried flowers, spices and soil and is still incredibly youthful. The substantial, somewhat Barolo-like tannins arrive late and avoid dryness, with the finish displaying terrific verve and building length. "Corton loves the '9 vintages," noted Erwan Faiveley. These vines were harvested beginning on October 1. (13.4% alcohol; 3.38 pH; 3.8 g/l acidity)

Deep crimson. Jewelly, opulent nose. Some rather flashy oak. Quite a dry end but lots of power and pleasure dug in there for the long term. Firm. Quite stern finish. (JR)