Corton Charlemagne, Domaine de la Vougeraie 2014

An admirably deft application of wood easily allows the cool, airy and elegant nose of green apple, citrus, white flowers and wet stone aromas to shine. There is once again simply incredible intensity and power to the markedly mineral-driven imposingly-scaled flavors that culminate in a saline, austere and very serious finale. This is presently roughly akin to a block of stone and there is so much underlying material that I would not be all that surprised if my predicted range was ultimately proven to be too conservative. Either way, it would be pointless to purchase this without the express intent to hold it for at least 6 to 8 years.

The 2014 Corton Charlemagne le Charlemagne Grand Cru , from the eponymous lieu-dit, has a slightly reticent bouquet at first, with fine mineral tones emerging with aeration. The palate is fresh and crisp with good weight in the mouth, effervescent with orange sorbet and freshly sliced pear, leading to an energetic and sustained finish. There is a sense of brio and chutzpah about this Grand Cru that is already very persuasive.