Chandon de Briailles : Corton Grand cru "Maréchaudes" 2018

The 2018 Corton Les Maréchaudes Grand Cru has retained the exquisite, crystalline nose that I noted from barrel, featuring pixelated red fruit that seems to glisten. The palate is medium-bodied, crisp and focused, with fine tannins, lightly spiced red berry fruit and graphite toward the finish. Not enormous depth here, but it feels so energetic and tensile that it positively enlivens the senses. Give this two or three more years’ slumber in the cellar. Superb.

A pure, lacy red, whose linear, ethereal profile features cherry, strawberry, rose, sandalwood and cedar aromas and flavors. The latticework structure provides support without intrusion, and the finish shows subtlety and deceptive length. Best from 2023 through 2035. 143 cases made, 12 cases imported.

The 2018 Corton Les Maréchaudes Grand Cru has turned out beautifully, wafting from the glass with notes of sweet red berries, dark chocolate, peonies and spices. Medium to full-bodied, layered and elegantly muscular, it's broad-shouldered and lively, concluding with a bright, nicely defined finish.