1989 Louis Jadot (Domaine des Heritiers) Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru

The 1989 Corton-Charlemagne needs 7-10 years of cellaring, and is capable of lasting 25-30. Normally one of the slowest grand crus to evolve, the 1989 should mature at a glacial pace. Spectacularly concentrated, it possesses a reticent nose that needs coaxing from the glass. After 10-15 minutes, aromas of minerals, oranges, ripe pineapples, and buttery baked apples soar from the glass. Extremely long and full-bodied, with blockbuster length and intensity, this is spectacular Corton-Charlemagne in a vintage that produced many dazzling wines from that appellation. (RP)

The 1989 Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru blows away the 1979 Chevalier-Montrachet side-by-side. The bouquet is far more complex and delineated, a palpable sense of minerality and place, crisp and focused, limestone and a touch of lime leaf, evolving some thrilling “gras” like aromas. The palate is very well balanced, taut and focused with that minerality impossible to ignore. Not a powerful Corton-Charlemagne, but it exudes finesse and precision. This is a very well-crafted, sophisticated Burgundy. (NM)