Henri Boillot, Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru 2019

Purchased fruit from three parcels – one each from the villages of Ladoix-Serrigny, Pernand-Vergelesses and Aloxe-Corton. It is fermented and aged in 350L barrels, 20-50% new depending on the lot. The aromas begin with a distinct citrus note on the attack, but broaden on the palate with a nutty richness that is truly rewarding. The texture is luxurious, but the wine never loses its lovely freshness, which carries it through to a lingering finish.

Produced from purchased grapes, the 2019 Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru is serious and structured, enforcing a change of pace after the series of Puligny-Montrachet grands crus. Mingling notes of pear and citrus oil with hints of toasted bread, white flowers and praline, it's medium to full-bodied, satiny and chalky, with palpable structuring dry extract and tangy balancing acids.

The 2019 Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru, one of Boillot’s strongest wines, has a delightful bouquet with well-defined scents of dried honey, hazelnut and crushed rock, quite Meursault-like in style. The palate is fresh on the entry with crisp acidity, not amazingly complex overall, yet I admire its tension and length, with quite a persistent spicy aftertaste. Very fine.