Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru 2018 – Bonneau du Martray

Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru 2018 – Bonneau du Martray

The 2016 Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru, matured in 30% new oak, has moderate intensity on the nose, scents of citrus peel, beeswax and honeysuckle, a hint of jasmine. The palate is medium-bodied with fresh lime, green apple, a dab of spice that hits the back palate and lingers on the aftertaste. Moderate length. It just misses the sustain toward the finish and hurries out of the exit a little swiftly. The irony is that as I mentioned in my introduction, some of the single-parcel barrel samples I was permitted to taste were in fact better than the blend, simply because they sang more of what Corton-Charlemagne ought to be.A pungent nose combines notes of wood and reduction. Otherwise there is both good density and punch to the intensely mineral-driven broad-shouldered flavors that possess sneaky good length. This beauty is notably firm but not really austere and while it should age well over the mid-term, it should also be accessible after as little as 5 years.