2016 Corton Charlemagne
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
The 2016 Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru has a slightly withdrawn bouquet that does not quite slip into fifth gear, not unpleasant but not really evoking a vrai Grand Cru. The palate is better with a crisp, lightly spiced opening, saline in the mouth with bitter lemon and ginger towards the punchy finish. Fine length here, but the aromatics need to improve. Tasted at the Domaine Direct Tasting in London.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Quite exciting and pure on the nose but without the undertow and richness one would hope for. Bring on the New World pretenders! Neat and chalky. Contained. Dry finish. Not a bad wine at all; just not good value. (JR)
Aromas of sweet yellow apple and honeycomb mingle with suggestions of petrol, smoke and dried flowers in a complex bouquet, introducing Rapet's 2016 Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru. This is a full-bodied, ample wine with a deep, layered mid-palate, excellent concentration and incisive acids to temper its satiny texture. It's showing superbly after a year in bottle and, like its 2017 counterpart, it will be well worth seeking out.
About the producer
Based in Pernand-Vergelesses, the Rapet family has been involved in wine since at least the 18th century. The property owns 20 hectares of vines around and on the hill of Corton. Vincent and Sylvette are at the helm today, with their son Robin now working alongside them.