2012 Corton Bressandes

(50% vendange entier ): Medium red. Black cherry and cranberry fruit aromas show an almost candied quality, with spice and stone nuances providing lift. Dark fruits perked up by white pepper and minerals on the intense palate. Finishes with pronounced minerality, excellent length and no hardness. I would not be surprised if this very precise wine shut down in the bottle.

The 2012 Corton-Bressandes Grand Cru does not quite match up to the delightful 2012 Pernand-Vergelesses on the nose, as if cowed by the over-performing premier cru! The palate is medium-bodied with a crisp, chalky entry – tart red cherry fruit, strawberry and a dash of spice toward the finish that compensates for the recalcitrant nose. Give this a year or two in bottle to sort itself out. Importers: David Bowler Wine www.bowlerwine.com, Ideal Wine & Spirits www.idealwine.us and Beaune Imports, www.beauneimports.com

Violets, blackcurrant, drying tannin. Sharp finish. Spiky not smooth. (RH)