Louis Latour : Corton-Charlemagne Grand cru 2020

The 2020 Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru reflects all the sunshine of the growing season. Full-bodied, rich and glossy, with a sweet core of fruit and broad shoulders, its bouquet evokes peaches, buttery pastry, golden orchard fruit, baking spices and vanilla pod. This will appeal to readers who gravitate toward richer, more extrovert styles of white Burgundy.

A very cool and tight Corton-Charlemagne with the intense spice, bold structure and steeliness that we expect from this appellation. Staggering concentration, which at this early stage makes the wine slightly austere, but all this gives it great aging potential. Fantastic integration of oak, fruit and mineral acidity at the amazing finish. Drinkable now, but best from 2024.

A touch more brilliance for this wine that dominates the cellar, as the winemakers also believe. A grand, complex nose of vine blossom with the sappy richness of south-facing Charlemagnes, a majestic finish, great future, great wine, worthy of its status and price. Peak after 2030.

Immediate aromas of honeysuckle, white mushroom, fennel give way to a layer of fresh citrus and delicate vanilla aromas. The palate is bold and rich with buttered brioche topped with ripe Korean pear with shaved lemon zest and a sprinkle of white peppercorn. Cellar through 2028+.