Jean-Charles le Bault de la Morinière told me that 2008 was a "late to ripen vintage even though we noticed bud activity by the 9th of February, which was fully 9 days earlier than the precocious 2007 vintage and a full month earlier than in 2006, which was also harvested well before 2008 did. The flowering, which occurred between the 10th and 19th of June didn't go very well and we lost a lot of potential crop. We knew from that point on that 2008 would not be an abundant one. The summer was often stormy with ample rainfall with relatively large swings in temperature. For example, July temperatures ranged from 9° to 32°C [48° to 90°F]. Thankfully, we had a dramatic switch in weather in September with cool, windy and dry conditions preceding the harvest, which we elected to begin on the 30th. I was very happy with the maturity of the pinot and the chardonnay and while there was some sorting required for the former, the latter was very clean. The net yields for the Corton-Charlemagne was 32 hl/ha with good sugar levels. We presently plan to bottle the '08s in the spring of 2010. As to the wine, I very much like the balance of fruit, concentration and acidity, which should allow it to age well." I agree with de la Morinière that the '08 Corton should make for old bones.
There is a hint of exoticism to the citrus, pear and white peach suffused nose that is presently trimmed in a noticeable, if very slight, touch of sulfur. The rich and extremely fresh middle weight plus flavors possess an impressive amount of dry extract as well as ample mineral influence on the austere and ultra-pure finish that seems to go on and on. This powerful and impeccably well balanced but presently closed effort should live for many years though it will probably come to its peak 10 to 12 years from now. In a word, fabulous.
Score: 95, Allen Meadows, burghound, Tasted: Feb 01, 2011, Drink: 2018+