1997 Corton Charlemagne
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Tasting notes
The 1997 Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru is a brilliant effort in this ultimately somewhat underrated white Burgundy vintage. Offering up a complex bouquet of crisp orchard fruit, mandarin, confit lemon, wheat toast, iodine and nicely integrated reduction, it's medium to full-bodied, deep and chiseled, with good concentration and chalky structuring extract. While it isn't as overtly muscular as some vintages of this bottling, it's pure, vibrant and drinking beautifully today.
Critic scores
Average Score
Allen Meadows, Burghound
William Kelley, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
The 1997 Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru from Leroy is a decent white Burgundy, but its intrinsic quality did not size up to its reputation on this occasion. The nose is slightly reduced, but felt a little straightforward with citrus lemon and flinty aromas. It was just missing a little "fatness" you seek from this grand cru. The palate is balanced with a keen line of acidity, though it never soars, remaining a little broody and sultry. It opens with time in the glass, but I noticed a touch of warmth on the back of the throat and so I would drink this in the near future. Tasted January 2016.
About the producer
For many, Domaine Leroy represents the pinnacle of fine Burgundy. Owned and run by the legendary Lalou Bize-Leroy, the domaine in Vosne-Romanée is one strand of the Leroy empire, along with Maison Leroy and Domaine d’Auvenay.