1999 Corton Charlemagne
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Tasting notes
For me, the two greatest white Burgundies of this vintage are Coche's 1999 Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru and Domaine D'Auvenay's Chevalier-Montrachet. I finally had the occasion to drink them side by side, and on this occasion, Coche-Dury was the winner, delivering a magical bouquet of sweet orchard and stone fruit mingled with notions of toasted sesame, praline, orange oil and iodine. Full-bodied, deep and layered, it's seamless and concentrated, with pristine balance, palate-staining texture and a long, resonant finish.
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Jancis Robinson MW
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
This pairing of 1999s is one of the highlights of the evening. The 1999 Corton-Charlemagne is initially quite reduced. Over the years I have learned that the Coche Charlemagne needs a lot of air. That is certainly the case on this night. The flavors are intense, brilliant and beautifully focused, especially as the wine starts to open up. White flowers, candied lemon, white pepper and pulsating saline notes meld into the austere, tightly wound finish. I imagine the 1999 will be a magical wine for many years to come. If opened young, it requires considerable aeration.
From Dominique Montier, who had just flown in to Carcassonne from Stansted via Ryanair, who charged him £45 to get on the flight although he had printed out his boarding pass (he’d tried to change his return flight). Rich gold. Exciting and tense. Long and tense and now starting its perfect state. (JR)
About the producer
Domaine Jean-François Coche-Dury is one of the most sought-after names in Burgundy, famed for producing some of the most expensive white wines in the world. The demand for these fiercely collected wines far outstrips supply.