2020 Corton Grand Cru
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Tasting notes
The 2020 Le Corton Grand Cru is seriously impressive. Dark and quite potent in the glass, the 2020 exudes intensity from start to finish. Lavender, gravel, rose petal and spice meld into a core of dark-toned fruit. This is an unusually somber, brooding Le Corton. Incisive tannins will need years to soften. There is an element of mystery, of the unknown, that is quite appealing here. I can’t wait to taste this in another few years’ time.
Critic scores
Average Score
William Kelley, Wine Advocate
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Aromas of dark berries, licorice, clove and violets introduce the 2020 Corton Grand Cru, a medium to full-bodied, deep and layered wine that's concentrated, pure and vibrant, with a suave, seamless profile and a long, perfumed finish. In many ways, the renaissance of this cuvée is even more striking than the improvements to the domaine's Corton-Charlemagne, because it's emerging as a really very interesting wine.
The 2020 Le Corton Grand Cru, matured in 60% new oak (an increase on previous years from François Frères) has quite an arresting nose with a rather strong Thai fish oil aroma that never ebbs away. Maybe something connected with the fining? Dark berry fruit, undergrowth with an unavoidable undercurrent of greenness. The palate is medium-bodied with light acidity. There is a jarring greenness here, a Corton that feels unhappy in its own skin. I must confess that I cannot work out why this tasted unripe in a warm vintage. This was so vexing that I will not judge based on this bottle and will revisit it at a later date.
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.