Vinous - Neal Martin (91)

The 2021 Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru has an even heavier reduction than David Croix's "C.C." and this seems more fixed despite transferring between glasses. The palate is better with admirable weight and depth. The reduction is still more pronounced than I would prefer, though it is redeemed by a lovely spiciness on the admittedly oaky finish plus there is plenty of vigour and length. How this Corton-Charlemagne will play out depends on what happens to that reduction... it could go either way, hence the question mark against my score. Tasted blind at the Burgfest tasting.

Vinous (90)

The 2018 Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru has an attractive bouquet with lemon zest, light peppermint and orange pith notes that burst from the glass. The palate is well balanced with a waxy texture, modest weight with lemon curd, lemon thyme and Clementine towards the finish. Like Girardin’s other 2018s, what it just misses is tension and delineation, but it should give a decade’s drinking pleasure. - Neal Martin

Vinous (88-90)

The 2019 Corton-Charlemagne "Quintessence" Grand Cru comes from the Aloxe-Corton side, from a climat, and is made with purchased grapes from vines around 55–60 years old. The rather muted nose has trouble following on from the clearly more expressive Puligny Les Combettes. The palate is balanced with a fine bead of acidity, but the truth is that I find this missing the complexity and mineralité of a Grand Cru, surpassed by some of Girardin’s excellent Premier Crus this vintage.

Vinous (92-94)

The 2020 Corton-Charlemagne "Quintessence" Grand Cru comes from a single parcel in Aloxe-Corton. This has more complexity and energy on the nose compared to the regular cuvée with fresh pineapple, grapefruit, crushed stone and a touch of mirabelle. The palate is well balanced with a fine bead of acidity, harmonious and quite refined, not powerful on the finish but linear and poised. Eight barrels produced.

Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (93-95)

From the lower part of Le Charlemagne. There is a regular cuvee too. Lively fresh primrose. At the moment the oak shows a little stronger than the wine on the first nose. The fruit is pretty substantial on the palate, starting at the front, then gracefully continues through to a stony and salty finish. Drink from 2030-2038. Tasted: November 2023.

Embodying the true essence of Burgundy Chardonnay, Xavier Monnot Corton-Charlemagne 2020 epitomises rich complexity with a delicately balanced minerality. Xavier Monnot, a reputed winemaker from Meursault, leverages traditional vinification techniques to craft this exquisite wine in limestone soils of the Corton-Charlemagne plot. The skilful manipulation of oak and stainless steel fermentation preserves the innately sumptuous fruit profile.

The wine unveils itself with an enticing gold hue, leading into a bouquet of crisp apple, ripe pear, and subtly integrated oak. On the palate, it is full-bodied and silky, accentuating layered notes of citrus and stone-fruit, underpinned by deft acidity. Xavier Monnot Corton-Charlemagne 2020 ensures longevity and immense pleasure in every sip with its impressive finish.

As verified by world-renowned critics, Xavier Monnot Corton-Charlemagne 2020 deserves a prime position in your cellar. Indulge in this luxurious expression of one of Burgundy's most prestigious appellations.

Embodying the true essence of Burgundy Chardonnay, Xavier Monnot Corton-Charlemagne 2020 epitomises rich complexity with a delicately balanced minerality. Xavier Monnot, a reputed winemaker from Meursault, leverages traditional vinification techniques to craft this exquisite wine in limestone soils of the Corton-Charlemagne plot. The skilful manipulation of oak and stainless steel fermentation preserves the innately sumptuous fruit profile.

The wine unveils itself with an enticing gold hue, leading into a bouquet of crisp apple, ripe pear, and subtly integrated oak. On the palate, it is full-bodied and silky, accentuating layered notes of citrus and stone-fruit, underpinned by deft acidity. Xavier Monnot Corton-Charlemagne 2020 ensures longevity and immense pleasure in every sip with its impressive finish.

As verified by world-renowned critics, Xavier Monnot Corton-Charlemagne 2020 deserves a prime position in your cellar. Indulge in this luxurious expression of one of Burgundy's most prestigious appellations.