1994 Corton Charlemagne
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Tasting notes
The 1994 Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru is exotic, deep and so distinctive. Oily and rich in the glass, with striking texture, the 1994 is superb. Orange peel, hazelnut, chamomile, dried savory herbs and tropical inflections all come alive in the glass. It is a superb wine from a year where hail, botrytis and mildew were among the challenges.
Critic scores
Average Score
Pierre Rovani
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 1994 Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru was the first vintage produced by Jean-Charles de la Morinière, and this was a challenging year, with thunderstorms at harvest time that "turned" the grapes. The resulting wine is really a very fine achievement for the vintage, unwinding in the glass with a lovely bouquet of honeycomb, yellow orchard fruit, buttered citrus and blanched almonds. On the palate, it's full-bodied, supple and elegantly textural, with racy acids and fine balance. This doesn't have the concentration or searing structure of the best vintages, but it's an immensely charming wine that is drinking well today, and it numbers among the high points of the year.
The outstanding 1994 Corton-Charlemagne has a pure (difficult to achieve in this rot-plagued vintage) mineral, nut, cream, and almond-laden nose. On the palate, this medium-bodied and velvety-textured wine offers mouth-coating, precise, and crisp stone-like flavors intermingled with ripe white fruits. Well-structured and focused, it is one of the rare '94s I have tasted that should age well. Projected maturity: 2000-2006. Bravo! to Jean-Charles de la Moriniere for the three outstanding Corton-Charlemagnes he has crafted since taking over this estate in 1994. Apr 1998, www.robertparker.com
About the producer
This historic Domaine Bonneau du Martray is an iconic Burgundy address, dedicated to making two Grands Crus: its iconic white Corton-Charlemagne and red Corton, expressing the special terroir of the hill of Corton. Today it is owned by Stanley Kroenke, of Screaming Eagle fame.