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Louis Jadot Corton Charlemagne 2005
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BN#208717 |
This complex, firmly structured white Burgundy balances full body and elegance in a layered palette of sweet Bosq pears, hazelnut, citrus, honey and vanilla offset by a flintiness and a suggestion of anise and cinnamon spice in the long finish. It is pure and beautiful - we had the pleasure of tasting it!
The commune of Aloxe-Corton, located above Pernand-Vergelesses at the northern end of the Côte de Beaune, has the unusual distinction of having over half its area covered in grand cru vineyards. These occupy 298 acres divided among 19 climats which take the Corton grand cru appellation for red wines; five among these, totalling 120 acres, take the Corton-Charlemagne grand cru appellation for white wines as well as the Corton grand cru appellation for red wines.
The history of Aloxe-Corton is not complete without the contribution of the Emperor Charlemagne. It is known that he owned vines on the hillside above Aloxe, which, in 775, at age 33, he bequeathed to the Abbey of Saulieu in recompense for the destruction of their monastery by the Saracens. At this point in history, most of the vineyards were in red vines, and it is supposedly due to Charlemagne's wife that the first white vines were planted. In his latter years, Charlemagne's chin was graced by a luxuriant white beard. His advanced age did not dampen his appreciation of fine dining; but, invariably, when he drank, drips found their way to his beard. His wife, scandalized by the little red hairs, made such an issue of his un-regal appearance that Charlemagne finally agreed to replace the red vines with white. So the great white wine named for him was born.
Domaine des Héritiers Louis Jadot is proprietor of an exceptional, 4.94-acre parcel of vines adjacent to Les Pougets exposed directly to the south. Purchased in 1914, this vineyard yields a Corton-Charlemagne for which Jadot is famous, considered to be the benchmark by by which Corton-Charlemagne is judged.
Wine Spectator
Ripe, broad and powerful, this creamy-textured white packs lime blossom, pear, sweet corn and butterscotch into an ample frame. A mineral note emerges as this glides to the long finish. Very vibrant and alive, but needs a few more years to really hit its stride. Best from 2009 through 2025.
Score: 94.
—Bruce Sanderson,
August
31,
2007.
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