Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru
There are four plots one lower down, one above and two in the middle, all vinified and matured separately. During elevage the middle plots seemed to be the best, the lower section good, while the wine from the top block appeared to be too acid. But it is now clear to Aubert that the blend needed them all, including the top, which was raised in one year old wood, the rest in new barrels. The wine took its time, both for the alcoholic and malolactic fermentations, so the Corton-Charlemagne was bottled later than the Montrachet. A first bottle was extrovert but soon evidence of a slight cork taint appeared. The second bottle was clean, if not quite so immediately exuberant. This is chiselled and fine with wonderful length. The stones are more apparent and they are washed with a fresh citrus. Clean pure and classy with real grip, there is power behind and the fruit totally fills out the back of the palate. A brilliant first offering of Corton-Charlemagne. - Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy
