2016 Domaine de Montille Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru

Ripe stone fruits complemented by nutty nuances on the nose. Plush and fine-grained, with its stone fruit flavors currently overshadowed by nuts, earth and salty minerality. Rich and mouthfilling for young Corton-Charlemagne but I don't find quite the verve or grip shown by a barrel sample a year ago. Incidentally, the acidity here is 3.8 grams per liter, as with the Cailleret.

The 2016 Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru has an attractive bouquet with lemon curd, dried apricot and chalk dust scents that gain intensity with aeration. The palate is well balanced with a fine line of acidity, fresh and tensile with a touch of salinity on the finish. There is something refined and understated about this Corton-Charlemagne and as such I would afford it three to five years in bottle.

20% new oak and made very like the Meursaults. Often one of the first vineyards they pick thanks to the southern aspect, which also meant it was not frosted. Deep golden. Quite rich and honeyed on the nose. Actually some levity and freshness. Floral and racy. Mid weight. Floral edge. Just a bit richer than the Meursaults. Polished liquid honey. Lots of bite on the end. (JR)