2006 Corton Charlemagne
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Tasting notes
Girardin has the luxury of fielding two bottlings of 2006 Corton Charlemagne. This first hails from lower-elevation parcels in all three communes that share this grand cru. Lemon, lime, and overt stone and chalk dominate the nose and palate here, and the sheer finishing refreshment of citrus helps ward off the hint of warmth and keep the mineral cast from rendering this impressively-concentrated wine too austere. Still, this will demand some patience, and should cellar well for at least 6-8 years. I tasted a wide selection including all of the top crus of Vincent Girardin’s truly vast output (from nearly fifty acres of vines plus a wide range of contracts as negociant), the wines having been pre-assembled from barrel for my tasting (hence the wide point spreads). Girardin is at pains to press very gently and he did only limited lees-stirring in 2006. He favors 20, 30, and 40% new wood for his village, premier cru, and grand cru wines, respectively. Importer: Vineyard Brands, Birmingham, AL; tel. (205) 980-8802.
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Full yellow with a golden tinge. Exotic aromas of apricot, honey, vanilla and nutty oak, with suggestions of dried fruits. Big, round and rich; very ripe and thick for Corton-Charlemagne and a bit unrefined in comparison to Girardin's 2007 grand crus. But there's also excellent energy and lift and a very long finish.
Great clarity to the aromas of lime and menthol. Opulent and solid but backward and dry, with an almost metallic quality to the pineapple and stone flavors. This youthfully strict wine is like sucking on a mouthful of rocks now. Finishes subtle and very long. This will need several years of bottle aging.