2020 Domaine de la Romanee-Conti, Corton Grand Cru, Prince Florent de Merode

A worthy successor to the brilliant 2019, the 2020 Corton Grand Cru exhibits aromas of dark wild berries, violets, baking chocolate and forest floor. Full-bodied, deep and concentrated, with a velvety attack that segues into a layered, vibrant mid-palate, it concludes with a precise, penetrating finish.

The 2020 Corton Grand Cru is the usual blend from Clos du Roi (Bressandes and Les Renardes leased from the Prince de Mérode family), and it was picked on 26 August at 24.6hL/ha. This is focused and a little backward on the nose; it needs a little encouragement from the glass. It rewards patience with subtle potpourri and incense aromas. An orange rind touch complements the dark berry fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins and a satisfying degree of edginess and delineation. Sour cherry nuances underlie the carapace of higher-toned blue fruit with a persistent and succulent finish. Maybe it just needs a little more mineralité on the aftertaste, nevertheless, it remains a fine Corton that will give 20 years of drinking pleasure. 454 cases produced. Tasted at Corney & Barrow’s annual in bottle tasting in London.

The 2020 Corton Grand Cru is a dark, explosive wine. Swaths of incisive tannin wrap around a core of black fruit, lavender, mocha and dried herbs. This is an especially virile, somber Corton that will require cellaring. I expect the 2020 will always remain quite tannic and assertive in its bearing. As always, the Corton is a blend from parcels in Clos du Roi, Bressandes and Renardes.