2018, Domaine Chandon de Briailles, CORTON-BRESSANDES, Grand Cru

Notably ripe aromas of plum, violet, earth, game and a hint of smoke character. There is excellent richness, volume and mid-palate concentration to the powerful and firmly structured flavours where the finish is long though mildly sweet. Like the Vergelesses, I suspect that the sweetness will eventually dissipate with age. 90-93 Burghound.

The 2018 Corton-Bressandes Grand Cru comes from four parcels of vines, totalling 1.5 hectares, on the mid-slope. Slightly deeper in colour than the Les Maréchaudes, it has more depth and complexity on the nose, the blackberry, raspberry, wild hedgerow and damp-earthy, mossy aromas soaring from the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with very supple tannins, and smoother and silkier than the Les Maréchaudes, leading to a sensual, pure, caressing finish. A gorgeous 2018. 93-95 Neal Martin.