1996 J.-F. Coche-Dury Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru

“Jean-François Coche's 1996 Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru is one of the monumental white Burgundies of the 20th century, and this particular bottle was the most spectacular that I've drunk to date. Soaring from the glass with aromas of confit tangerine, iodine, butter toast, sesame oil and wet stones, it's full-bodied, satiny and incisive, with huge depth at the core, racy acids and a long, resonant finish. Such is its intensity of flavor, persistence and harmony that if it could score more than one hundred points, I wouldn't have hesitated. The 1996 is at the peak of its powers today. (WK)” (05/2023)

“The cult wine per excellence hits another home run. Ripe but racy, with a lush, opulent and fat mouthfeel. Very attractive thanks to its richness, this vibrates on the palate as it powers its way to a toasty, ripe, velvety finish that will need years to show it all. (PM)” (05/1999)

“This is an absolutely brilliant Corton-Charlemagne and despite still being incredibly young, offers simply unbelievable aromatic elegance and complexity; indeed the nose is almost ethereal with that wonderful perfumed airiness that captivates and enchants (note that some bottles do initially display a touch of reduction and thus decanting the wine is advised). The medium full flavors have it all with superb depth, incredible precision and an almost palpable stony quality where the minerality dominates the mid-palate and explodes like a grenade on the stupendously long finish. This is truly a great wine in every respect and if given 30 minutes of air, it's surprisingly approachable now though make no mistake, this is still on the way up. Multiple, and consistent, notes.” (04/2015)

“Coche’s 1996 Corton-Charlemagne was just like his other 1996s; stagerring in its richness, complexity and sheer pedigree. The wine flowed onto the palate with tons of richly scented, layered fruit. It was a profound bottle with plenty of life ahead of it. (AG)” (03/2009)

“Some green highlights in a deep straw colour. Wonderfully powerful, very obvious Coche-Dury on the nose with a hint of honey and lots of hazelnuts and oak (still!). Unlike many '96s, this is very powerful and rigorous with sufficient extract to counterbalance the acidity. (JR) 20/20 points” (02/2004)