Rapet's 1988 Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru, from a bottle direct from the Domaine, is an absolutely stunning wine that is still a decade away from the peak of its powers. A pure and youthful nose of lemon oil, white flowers, wet rocks and a touch of noisette introduces a deep, concentrated wine with bright acids and almost chewy extract, rock-solid at the core. The tension and structure here are flawless and the balance pitch perfect. (WK)

A remarkably fresh nose features notes of orchard fruit, citrus and a touch of sous-bois. The intensely mineral-driven and tautly muscular flavors possess first-rate punch on the compact and linear finish that offers excellent complexity and persistence. Despite the firm '88-like acidity the finish is not especially austere and overall, this is a lovely effort that is still holding effortlessly.