Corton Charlemagne, Domaine de la Romanée Conti 2022

Aromas of sweet golden orchard fruit mingle with notions of clear honey, white flowers, toasted hazelnuts and petrol in a rich and inviting bouquet, introducing the Domaine de la Romanée-Conti's 2022 Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru. Full-bodied, ample and layered, with a sweet and enveloping core of fruit, ripe acids and a chalky finish, it's built along lines similar to the demonstrative 2019. As readers may remember, it's produced from almost three hectares of vineyards, in the communes of Aloxe-Corton and Pernand-Vergelesses, that have been leased from Bonneau du Martray since November 2018. Once again, it reflects the domaine's vision for Chardonnay—picked at full maturity, in a powerful, gastronomic style.

Clear pale colour. At this exceptionally youthful stage there is more sucrosity than detail on the nose, supported by a light reductive overlay. Sweetly ripe citrus on the nose, a wealth of fruit but not quite the grace. Too much flesh on the stones and bones? Or is at a question of this wine needing much more time to show its qualities? Drink from 2030-2040. Tasted May 2025.