2022 Domaine de la Romanee-Conti, DRC, Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru, Case of 3 Btls [Banded]

DR96 This wine really shows the potential for the Corton-Charlemagne appellation, with luxuriously ripe apple and quince aromas and an edge of acacia flowers and spice. The texture is dense but not heavy – my first impression was that this was a lush, hedonistic wine, yet it never loses sight of balance. The team picks the vineyard in two stages (on 8 and 13 September) to ensure thorough ripeness and the desired acid balance. The result is elegant and complete. It will be enjoyable before the Montrachet and should continue to improve for 20-30 years. 21,086 bottles were produced in 2022.

AG95 The 2022 Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru is a creamy, exotic white. Apricot, lemon confit, slate, white flowers and chamomile lend a good bit of flair. Oily and dense, with terrific balance, the Charlemagne is quite the looker. It explodes on the back with a rush of citrus and mineral-laced inflections that leave a lasting impression.