2019 Louis Latour Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru, Cote de Beaune

Such a classic Corton Charlemagne! Stunningly concentrated and powerful, but also so graceful. Very racy at the long finish, which has so much mineral freshness. Takes your breath away! Drink or hold.

98 points jamessuckling.com

The Louis Latour Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru from the Côte de Beaune is one of Burgundy’s most iconic white wines, produced from the estate’s own vineyards on the famous Corton hill. Louis Latour has been a benchmark producer in Burgundy since 1797, and their holdings in Corton-Charlemagne stretch across some of the finest limestone slopes, many of which were acquired by the family in the late 19th century after phylloxera devastated red vineyards in the area. The decision to replant with Chardonnay gave birth to what is now regarded as one of the world’s greatest white wines.

In the glass, it is pale gold with green highlights. The bouquet is refined and complex, offering lemon curd, ripe apple and peach alongside acacia blossom, hazelnut, flint and a hint of toasty oak. On the palate it is powerful and structured, yet finely balanced, with layers of citrus, stone fruit and subtle tropical notes underpinned by a strong mineral spine. The acidity is vibrant and precise, giving drive and focus, while the finish is long, elegant and tightly coiled, reflecting its Grand Cru pedigree.

Food pairings suit its richness and precision: lobster with butter sauce, seared scallops, roast chicken with morels, or creamy mushroom dishes. It also pairs beautifully with cheeses such as Comté or Brie de Meaux. With 15 to 20 years of cellaring potential, Louis Latour’s Corton-Charlemagne develops into a wine of immense depth and complexity, gaining honeyed, nutty and toasty layers while retaining freshness and mineral tension.