2003 Quintessence de Corton Charlemagne
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Tasting notes
Produced from purchased fruit coming from a parcel located in the Aloxe-Corton sector of its vineyard, the 2003 Quintessence de Corton-Charlemagne (white) was vinified, aged, and bottled separately because Girardin was so impressed by the tiny berries his grower sold him. Its spiced pear aromas lead to a ripe, lush, soft personality revealing pear, apple, mineral, and spice flavors. This wine has delightful depth yet lacks the enormous concentration I expected from Girardin’s description of the fruit. That being said, it is a definite step up from the normal Corton-Charlemagne cuvee in 2003. Projected maturity: 2007-2014. Importer: Vineyard Brands, Birmingham, AL; tel. (205) 980-8802; Vincent Girardin also bottles some of these same wines under the Baron de la Charriere label, imported by Eric Solomon European Cellars, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Pierre Rovani
More reviews and scores
(from two parcels of 70-year-old vines that produced tiny grapes with deep yellow skins, according to Girardin) Inviting bright yellow color. Superripe aromas of yellow fruits. Fat and creamy, with extraordinary sweetness of fruit. Expands impressively in the mouth. Hugely full wine but not at all phenolic. As rich and smooth as this is, it's still more backward than the "regular" cuvee