Aromatically, the powerful, dense, explosive 2002 Corton-Charlemagne offers spices, minerals, gravel and pears. Its awesome aromatics are followed by a muscular, intense personality of exceptional purity. Spices, earth, poached pears, apples, white peaches, and ginger can be found throughout this blockbuster’s flavor profile, as well as in its super-impressive finish. Drink this elegant, muscle-bound gem between 2009 and 2019. Importer: Kobrand, Inc., New York, NY; tel. (212) 490-9300

Knockout musky, soil-driven aromas of lime, chicken broth and crushed stone. At once dense and penetrating, with elegant but seriously intense flavors of lime, lemon, powdered stone and mint. Wonderfully light on its feet for a wine with this degree of power and thrust. Great building aftertaste shows superb density and cut. This should age like a red wine, and will be spectacular in 8 or 10 years.

Obviously classy, sleek and fine. Obviously Corton-Charlemagne. Not bad value. (JR)