2019 Charlemagne Grand Cru La Vougeraie

From Le Charlemagne and En Charlemagne, so the domaine has opted for the old appellation of just Charlemagne since 2013. All managed by horse, with the Pernand plot (En Charlemagne) being picked later. Pale primrose, with a startlingly fine bouquet, explosive, yet also displaying a really fine balanced core with mineral intensity, which infuses the second half of the palate. The 2019 Charlemagne is exceptionally fine and extremely long, but not too muscular.

(from parcels of .28 ha in En Charlemagne and .22 ha in Le Charlemagne; note that this could also be declared as Corton-Charlemagne). More obvious wood influence on the green apple, citrus and spice scented nose stops short of being invasive though it’s not subtle. There is fine mid-palate density to the sappy medium-bodied flavors that exude plenty of minerality on the firm citrus-tinged and powerful finish where a touch of wood slowly resurfaces. (91-93)/2029+

Wonderfully elegant and yet quite powerful, this is produced from two parcels: 0.22ha in Le Charlemagne facing south and 0.28ha in En Charlemagne facing west. The wine is made with whole bunches, slowly pressed and without sulphur. The fermentation starts in tank and finishes in barrel, before ageing 16 months in cask and two in tank to display rich, detailed apple fruit, hints of citrus and a floral edge on the nose, and the impressively broad palate.