2023, Domaine de la Vougeraie, CORTON, 'Clos du Roi', Grand Cru

The 2023 Corton Le Clos du Roi Grand Cru includes 20% whole bunches. This has a racy bouquet with vivacious red cherries and strawberry fruit, a little…unruly compared to the excellent 2022 last year. Fun, but maybe missing a little nobility. The palate is well balanced with a sweet and slightly candied entry. Vanilla extract infuses the red fruit, with the imprimatur of the wood more conspicuous toward the finish compared to other cuvées from Vougeraie. Broach this before the 2022. 91-93 Neal Martin, Vinous (2024).

A fuller ruby to crimson. Ripe fruit is evident on the nose, but most attractive. No more than medium plus density, and interesting how the 20% whole bunch vinification shows its character a lot this year. A bouquet to spend a good long time over. A sweetly harmonious floral finish, with a refined structure. Ripe fruit but it really works. **** 92-95 Jasper Morris MW, Inside Burgundy (2024).

Drinking Window: 2027 - 2042