"A Classic in the Making"
- The Smart Buy
2011 Bouchard Corton-Charlemagne
THE great Grand Cru Burgundy value
"There is outstanding power and excellent punch to the beautifully well-delineated big-bodied flavors ... This is a very impressive effort." -Burghound
Bouchard's Corton-Charlemagne is one of the smartest buys in the world of White Burgundy.
Out of Bouchard's entire white collection, their Corton-Charlemagne is a wine that I think of as being very special for two reasons - outright quality and outrageous value. Bouchard's holdings aren't slim either. They have heavy hitters like Montrachet and Chevalier-Montrachet "La Cabotte."
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Corton-Charlemagne is one of the most captivating White Burgundies (Chardonnays). "Corton-Charlie" is simply a monumental wine. No Chardonnay on the planet delivers the power, the depth of minerality and the incredibly ageworthy structure.
The prices of Corton-Charlemagne reflect just how loved and appreciated the wine is. The extreme example is that of Coche-Dury that go for upwards of $2,000 for the current vintage.
Thankfully, Bouchard's "Corton-Charlie," can hang with the best and sells for a fraction of cost.
2011 was a stunning vintage for Bouchard's Corton-Charlemagne. I've tasted through a bunch of 2011 White Burgundies. It's a vintage that I really like.
That said, Bouchard's 2011 Corton-Charlemagne really stands out. There's a cut, a vivid detailed minerality that sets it apart. John Gilman is spot-on when he calls it "perfectly balanced" and "a classic in the making."
Part of the explanation is that Bouchard's holdings face east in the cooler section of the appellation. The sunlight is less intense than in the south-facing sections. This allows the complex minerality to flourish along with a beautiful, steely acid backbone.
Credit must also be given to the massive investments that Henriot has made since taking over the domaine, not to mention the inspired winemaking of Philippe Prost. Bouchard's re-emergence has been swift. Their Corton-Charlemagne has assumed a "can't miss" status.
The 2011 Bouchard Corton-Charlemagne highlights this. There are few more impressive intersections of quality and price.
To order, reply to offers@crushwineco.com or call the store at (212) 980-9463.
Ian McFadden
Director, Fine & Rare Wine
Crush Wine & Spirits