2020 Domaine Rapet, Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru

The 2020 Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru has turned out brilliantly and ranks as the finest since 2017. Wafting from the glass with aromas of citrus oil, crisp stone fruit, white flowers, toasted almonds and light reduction, it's medium to full-bodied, satiny and layered, with racy acids and an impressively muscular, concentrated profile for this Pernand-dominant cuvée, which is generally among the finer-boned renditions of this Grand Cru.

The 2020 Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru has a slightly disjointed bouquet, not as well knit as its peers, with touches of beeswax, lavender oil and rosemary. The palate is well-balanced. It's a "nimble" Grand Cru, thanks to the silver bead of acidity. There's more tension here due to what feels like a lower pH, lemon curd and subtle Indian spices surfacing towards its composed finish. Perhaps it could do with a little more length, but otherwise, it has brightness and vivacity. Tasted blind at the annual Burgfest tasting.

Cask sample. Nutty, hint of spice and lots of ripe fruit sweetness here. Not quite how I imagine Corton-Charlemagne though. Plenty of concentration but I'd rather drink the elegant Pernand En Caradeux. (AWH)

Creamy and floral on the nose. Good cut and race and no shortage of chew. Should come round nicely. (JR)