Corton Charlemagne

It's terrible, you should dispose of immediately. Tell you what, I'll dispose of it for you. :)

Seriously, I'd put Bonneau du Martray as better than "decent" . Big producer, but their Corton-Charlie is a top performer. And 2002 is a very good year. I haven't tasted, but Claude Kolm (Fine Wine Review) gives it a 95/A, saying it's in a classic mode, "excellent acidity & minerality w/finesse underlying the hazelnut and fruit aromas and flavors"

If I had 2 bottles, I'd hold. But certainly if you're itching, try one now.

Corton Charlemagne is indeed a wine made for longer life, at least if it is to show everything it has. 2002 is a very strong vintage and Bonneau du Martray is a good producer for whom the Corton Charlie is the specialty. The BdM often seems to be more forward than other producers, sometimes with primary fruit more in the tropical range. As a result, the wines can be a little easier to drink young than others from the same appellation. However, if you don't hold at least one of your bottles, you are going to miss the fullness of what one of the great vineyards of the world can offer.

In any case, enjoy,

Jim

Hi James,

I've some of the same here.

I was able to taste some at the distributor before buying. I'll look up my notes ... but I do know that I've marked them not to start drinking until around 2006 at the earliest

Art Stratemeyer ============================

Cellar! Wine Software

I mainly have had Bonneau du Martray and Louis Latour Corton Charlemagne over the years. On the average I have found the Latour superior if you have proper storage conditons and age it enough. The Bonneau often is easier to drink if you must drink it young. As Hugh Johnson says, Corton Charlemagne ages much as does a red wine. In his 2005 Pocket Encyclopeda of Wine, he lists vintages back to 1978 as beng good vintages to drink, and he rates the 85 and 86 as best for drinking in 2005. Leroy might make a better Corton Charlemagne, but I have not tasted it. Be sure you are sitting down when the price is quoted to you. If you open a Corton Charlemagne too young, it can be a bit harsh and only hint at what is to come when it is mature.

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