Corton Charlemagne, Bouchard Père et Fils 2013

A reserved nose displays background notes of wood on the green apple, pear, citrus blossom and lemon zest aromas. The big-bodied, concentrated and attractively textured flavors possess ample mid-palate fat that serves to render the firm acidity almost invisible yet the firm and impressively long finish is borderline austere. I like the complexity and balance and while 2013 is not the most refined vintage I've seen for this wine, it should be approachable earlier than usual, which is to say after 5 to 7 years.

Bouchard's 2013 Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru is showing very well, wafting from the glass with an expressive bouquet of yellow orchard fruit, pear, orange oil, praline and wheat toast. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, deep and intense, with succulent acids, good concentration and a penetrating finish. While this Corton-Charlemagne is quite open for inspection already, it's nicely balanced and displays good structural tension. Bottled under Diam 10, it should enjoy more than another decade of longevity.