Corton Renardes, Domaine Michel Mallard 2009

This is the most complex of the three '09 grands crus with a penetrating and ripe nose of plum, pungent earth, game, black cherry and violets. The full-bodied, dense and overtly powerful flavors possess a velvety and seductive mouth feel that culminates in a mocha-infused and balanced finish. This is a very ripe wine but there is a sense of harmony here and this should mature beautifully. Excellent.

A fabulously perfumed wine, lots of different things going on here - dried fruit, Asian spice, vanilla - this is very complex and grown-up. Intense yet delicate, this finely tuned Corton has the Domaine's signature purity and balance. This is a wine that should reward cellaring, yet will be impressive fairly early on in its life. The finish, as one would expect, is serious and impressive. A stellar effort.