Up to Croton for the first in a couple of red Corton tastings. John had a nice spread of cheeses (Robiola,. St Andre, Gouda, Manchego, Humboldt Fog, and more) and mousse truffee, I brought some Smoking Goose charcuterie (saucisson rouge, spruce tip bresaola, culatello). Then we finished with John’s great short ribs accented with citrus zest.
2000 Lanson Noble Some divided opinions on this but I was definitely on pro side. Elegant mousse, just a little hazelnut oxidative note, rich apple fruit with brioche and orange zest. B+2005 Corton “Bressandes”-Domaine Tollot-Beaut Very young, wood spice, lots of structure. B for drinking now but potential for excellence if it absorbs the oak.
1999 Corton “Clos de Roy”-Antonin Guyon Roasted, some brett, not much freshness C+1999 Corton “Bressandes”-Domaine Chandon de Briailles Excellent, sweet red and black cherry fruit, floral and sandalwood aromas. With some air a pleasant game meat note. A-
1996 Corton “Bressandes”-Domaine Tollot-Beaut High acids (as expected), some barnyard, autumn leaves. I liked, one person hated. B1993 Corton “Clos du Roi”- Dubreuil-Fontaine Racy elegant floral. Black cherry with an intriguing integrated brown sugar note, yet fresh. A-/B+
1993 Corton “Grancey”- Louis Latour Spice, cumin seed,. Savory B+2014 Laval Les Longues Violes Champagne Stunning, powerful yet sprightly. Peaches, spice, chalk. WOTN. A-/A This is very old vine, organic for 50+ years.
1985 Corton “Bressandes”-Domaine Dubreuil-Fontaine Fresh elegant baking spices over red fruit B+/A-1983 Corton “Bressandes”- Joseph Drouhin Tons of sediment. Dark plum, cocoa, nuts. Some liked more than me, good bones but compared to a bottle a few years ago a bit dull and advanced. Still, drinkable. B/B-
1976 Corton “Bressandes”-Domaine Tollot-Beaut Darker fruit, tea, forest floor, very mature but holding on. B1972 Corton “Bressandes”- Joseph Drouhin Ethereal, elegant , with red cherry accented with mushrooms, Earl Grey, and spice. Long and seamless. A-
1912 D'Oliveiras Verdelho Vintage Madeira Christmas fruit cake, molasses, complex and long. Lifted nose, long surprisingly dry finish. A-/B+Quite the night. Sorry I was mostly spitting!
Grade disclaimer: I'm a very easy grader, basically A is an excellent wine, B a good wine, C drinkable. Anything below C means I wouldn't drink at a party where it was only choice. Furthermore, I offer no promises of objectivity, accuracy, and certainly not of consistency.