Critic ratings
vinous
2018
Rating:
91
–91
The 2018 Corton Blanc Grand Cru has a well-defined nose although it is still a little tight at the moment, traces of sea spray/cocklesheds coming through with aeration. The palate is delineated, focused, taut and precise, but maybe not as complex as I was anticipating when I tasted it from barrel last year.
vinous
2018
Rating:
91
–93
The 2018 Corton Blanc Grand Cru was the first to be picked this vintage, which is not unusual since the grapes tend to ripen early here (most of the vines are located in Corton-Bressandes and were planted in the 1970s). This has a backward wax resin and apricot blossom bouquet that needs some coaxing from the glass. The palate is livelier than the aromatics thanks to a fine bead of acidity. Notes of clementine, pineapple and lychee form a finish that is clean and precise, though it feels less persistent than other vintages I have encountered at this stage. Still, very fine.
vinous
2017
Rating:
92
–94
The 2017 Corton Blanc Grand Cru comes from Les Bressandes and is matured in 20% new oak. The nicely detailed bouquet offers white peach, peppermint, citrus fruit and green apples all vying for attention. The palate is well balanced, with a fine bead of acidity, and very elegant and harmonious. Hints of apricot and peach appear toward the sustained finish. Everything is kept in check by the acidity, completing a superb Corton Blanc.
robert_parker
2019
Rating:
92
–94
The 2019 Corton Grand Cru Blanc reveals aromas of waxy orchard fruit, citrus rind, toasted almond and white flowers. Layered and full-bodied, it's rich and concentrated, with a textural but incisive profile and a long, tangy finish.
robert_parker
2020
Rating:
92
–94
Aromas of pear, orange oil, vanilla pod, baking spices, beeswax and freshly baked bread introduce the 2020 Corton Grand Cru Blanc, a medium to full-bodied, ample and tightly wound wine, with racy acids, chalky structure and a long, mineral finish.
robert_parker
2015
Rating:
92
–92
The 2015 Corton Grand Cru Blanc is lovely, leading with aromas of yellow orchard fruit, hazelnut cream, white flowers and fresh pear. On the palate, the wine is glossy, expansive and quite dramatic on the attack, but it tenses up on the mid-palate and finishes with bright acids and phenolic grip. Like the Ile de Vergelesses, this is showing more precision from bottle than it did from barrel.
robert_parker
2017
Rating:
91
–93
Opening with aromas of waxy lemon rind, pasty cream and dried white flowers, the 2017 Corton Grand Cru Blanc is medium-bodied, tensile and tight-knit, with impressive concentration, length and structural integrity despite its ripeness. As usual, the vast majority of this cuvée derives from Corton Bressandes.
robert_parker
2016
Rating:
91
–91
The rare 2016 Corton Grand Cru Blanc wafts from the glass with aromas of green apple, yellow orchard fruit, peaches, pastry cream and white flowers. On the palate, it's full-bodied, ample and phenolic—structured more like a red wine than a white—with an expansive attack but a taut, chalky finish. Given its format, it could evolve in a very interesting direction in bottle.
robert_parker
1996
Rating:
87
–89
The Corton displays fresh and rich smoke scents and an attractive, deep, precise, and medium-bodied personality with white peach, anise, mineral, and stone-like flavors. Its long finish possesses traces of honeysuckle and gravel. Anticipated maturity: 1999-2005.
The score, noted on a range and in parentheses, indicates that the wine was tasted from barrel.
The winemaker, "Kojak", told me the alcoholic fermentations lasted through February for the 1996 whites and that he performed a weekly batonnage to give them additional body.
A Daniel Johnnes Selection, New York, NY; tel (212) 374-9415, also imported by De Gustibus Imports in Washington, and Beaune Imports in California.
robert_parker
1997
Rating:
89
–89
Baked apples and honeysuckle blossoms can be found in the 1997 Corton's nose. This is a rich, nicely-textured, and dense wine with groseille (red currant), acacia, and nut flavors that linger in its impressively long finish. It is medium-bodied, well-proportioned, and will offer excellent drinking over the next 5-6 years. A Daniel Johnnes Selection, New York, NY; tel (212) 374-9415, also imported by De Gustibus Imports in Washington State, and Beaune Imports in California.