2012 Corton Charlemagne
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Tasting notes
Tasted blind at the Burgundy 2012 tasting in Beaune. The 2012 Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru from Patrick Javillier has an attractive nose with scents of white peach and yellow flowers, flanked by a fragrant scent of honeysuckle with time in the glass. The palate does not fulfil the promise of the nose: quite waxy, slightly honeyed in texture with good acidity, but it does not have the same degree of delineation as Louis Jadot’s Corton-Charlemagne, plus there is just a touch of bitterness on the finish. There is potential here, but it is not being realized yet. I strongly suspect it would receive a higher score with further bottle age.
Critic scores
Average Score
Allen Meadows, Burghound
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
(aged in three one-year-old barrels): Pale yellow. Aromas of dried peach, menthol and nutmeg. Densely packed, dry and youthfully unforthcoming, hinting at peach, pear skin, lime rind, spices and pepper. This broad, vibrant, intense Corton-Charlemagne finishes with white fruits, pepper and firm supporting minerality. I wouldn't go near this wine for at least a few years but it should evolve gracefully.
Revealing little on the nose other than a hint of sheer class. Surprisingly gentle though very fresh on the palate, and you can feel the drive and the quality of the fruit on the long finish. Very persistent. (JH)
Good bright medium yellow. Pineapple, menthol and crushed stone on the nose, lifted by ginger and quinine notes. Then thick but fresh in the mouth, with vibrant acidity framing the ripe peach, pineapple, clove oil and ginger flavors. This impressively broad, lively wine's explosive finish suggests that it has considerable potential. But it's still in the very ripe, chewy style of this set of 2012s.