2018 Joseph Drouhin Corton Rouge Grand Cru, Burgundy

One for lovers of Corton with some muscularity, this sturdy red hails from two parcels in the Grand Cru - the Drouhins pulled out a third in Bressandes - and has plenty of fruit sweetness to soften the tannic grip. Floral top notes lead you into a palate with juicy plum and mulberry fruit and enough acidity to bring freshness to the finish.

94 points Decanter

Cherry crushed-strawberry and rose aromas with notes of fresh herbs. It’s medium-to full-bodied with sleek tannins and lively acidity. Round and juicy with a bright core of fruit on the mid-palate. Fresh, with soft power and a flavorful finish. Needs two or three years to soften.

94 points James Suckling

Maison Joseph Drouhin has been one of Burgundy's great family names since 1880, with four generations building an enviable reputation for wines of elegance, purity and terroir expression. Corton is the Côte de Beaune's great red Grand Cru, rising majestically above Aloxe-Corton and producing some of Burgundy's most structured, powerful and long-lived wines.

The superb 2018 vintage brought generous ripeness and concentration to Burgundy, particularly well suited to the naturally muscular character of Corton. Drouhin's elegant house style brings refinement to that power, allowing the limestone and marl terroir to emerge through the richness of the vintage. The result combines Grand Cru authority with impressive freshness and finesse.

Deep ruby with garnet highlights, the bouquet unfolds with black cherry, wild raspberry and red plum layered with violets, forest floor and fine spice. With air, notes of truffle, cedar, dried herbs and crushed stone emerge. The palate is beautifully structured, with concentrated red and dark fruits wrapped in fine, firm tannins and vibrant acidity. Powerful yet composed, it carries impressive mineral tension through a long, savoury finish of spice, earth and lingering floral perfume.

A magnificent partner for roast duck, beef Wellington, venison loin, pigeon with mushrooms or mature Époisses. Give it a generous decant if opening now; the combination of a superb vintage, Grand Cru terroir and Drouhin's classical restraint gives this serious potential in the cellar.

Cellaring: Drink now with decanting or cellar to 2045+.