2016 Corton Charlemagne

While this bottling is usually a blend of nearly equal parts Pernand- and Aloxe-side fruit, the 2016 Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru hails almost entirely from the Aloxe side due to the year's devastating frosts. It remains quite classic in style, offering up notes of preserved citrus, peach and toasted nuts, followed by a full-bodied, ample palate with good concentration and a deep core of ripe fruit, balanced by juicy acids.

2003 onwards. Half from Pernand (high) and half from Aloxe (mid slope) in a normal year but in 2016 the Pernand was very frosted so this year Aloxe gives 85% of the wine. Picked the same day and blended in the press. Later malo and may be bottled later than other wines. Usually 4 x 350-litre and one smaller barrel but This year just two 350-litre barrels. Barrel sample. Smells more austere than the Meursault Genevrières but also a presence of nutty/creamy oak. Full of ripe citrus and a touch of apricot. A loving nature on the palate, as if the wine wants to win you over with its scented mid palate. Concentrated and still really lithe and fresh. Succulent, mouth-watering. Gorgeous. Generous, extreme length and finesse. Just makes you want to drink it. (JR)