Corton Renardes, Domaine Leroy 1999

This has turned out to be every bit as good as the original cask sample suggested with its classic Renardes personality of an intensely earthy and almost "foxy" sauvage character to the black fruit nose. The powerful, rich, deep and compelling flavors are notably ripe yet quite vibrant on the hugely long and palate-staining finish. An exceptionally impressive wine that is as good a Renardes as Mme Bize has ever made (though rivaled by the 2009 - see herein) and one that should age effortlessly for decades. Consistent notes though one bottle seemed rather heavy and ponderous and while still perfectly good, it lacked the same class and grace.