2011 Corton Charlemagne
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Tasting notes
The 2011 Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru (which goes through a relatively early malolactic) has a focused toffee apple, apricot blossom and wax resin bouquet. There is even a suggestion of licorice that lends it another dimension. The palate is well-balanced and very pure on the entry with subtle notes of dried apricot and lime, a twist of sour lemon and a long, harmonious finish. This is very endearing and will surely age with style. Drink 2015-2030. ||Prior to launching into Maison Lucien de Moine’s 2012 reds with irrepressible winemaker Mounir Saouma, we revisited some of his 2011s that are now in bottle. To recap, Mounir is one of the last Burgundy producers to bottle his wines, since he is a great believer in extended elevage. There is a clutch of outstanding wines in this vintage, particularly at the grand cru level, where one must admire the consistency across the board. As always, readers are reminded that Lucien Le Moine’s wines are made in a stringently reductive method, therefore they always need more decanting time than other growers.
Critic scores
Average Score
Allen Meadows, Burghound
Neal Martin, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
The 2011 Corton-Charlemagne is drop-dead gorgeous. Subtle, nuanced and very pretty, the 2011 is all about understatement and reserve. The aromas and flavors show off striking inner perfume and impeccable balance. This is a great showing from an utterly beautiful wine with a bright future, but it is also a wine that demand's the taster's full attention.
A pure nose of Granny Smith apples, freshly sliced lemons and limes, white flowers and plenty of wet stone character. There is outstanding size, weight and punch to the relatively elegant broad-shouldered flavors that possess good depth and length but there is a surprising lack of punch. Perhaps it is just a stage but given the natural energy of Corton-Charlemagne from Pernand, this is not typical. Drink: 2019+