For reports and full tasting notes, go toTim Atkin MW's website.

The 2018 Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru comes from east-facing vineyards within the Les Languettes, a small production of six barrels. It has a closed and stubbornly backward bouquet that is outflanked by the Clos des Mouches Blanc. The tensile palate delivers good acidity and notes of orange zest and light peach notes, quite pure, and a spicy stem ginger and salty peanut finish. Very fine.

East facing unlike much of Corton. In the Languettes climat. The first of their own vineyards that Philippe Drouhin ran biodynamically. About 30% new oak for their grands crus. Usually just six barrels. Cask sample. Spicy with a hint of coconut but it is more the lees effect than the oak that clothes the fruit here. Pretty oaky on the palate with an unexpected oak sweetness. Véronique Drouhin says this wine often has a hint of violets but I can’t pick that out. I do agree with her that there is some tannin here but it is well integrated in this long, powerful wine. Really persistent with a salty, mouth-watering finish even if the acidity is modest. (JH)