Bonneau du Martray   Corton Charlemagne

2017 Corton-Charlemagne

By Bonneau du Martray

2017 Corton-Charlemagne from Bonneau du Martray, Burgundy, France

The venerated slopes of Corton-Charlemagne have nurtured chardonnay vines that reciprocate with some of Burgundy’s most illustrious whites. In its embodiment, the 2017 Corton-Charlemagne from Bonneau du Martray elucidates why this Grand Cru maintains its exalted status among connoisseurs and investors alike.

 

A Testament to Terroir and Talent

Perched atop the golden slopes of the Côte de Beaune, where calcareous clay marries a mesoclimate unique to this parcel, Bonneau du Martray has clinched crafting excellence. The synergy between terroir and the meticulous stewardship displayed in 2017 is evidenced through a wine that is both an artisanal triumph and a prudent investment piece.

 

A Vintage with Verve

While generalisations shan't suffice when narrating the tale of individual vintages, a closer look at 2017 reveals a year of both challenges and triumphs. A precocious bud break followed by frost led to speculation; however, the resilience of the vines ensued, resulting in grapes with poised maturity. This vintage stands out for its lively acidity, a cornerstone for longevity in fine wine investment.

The 2017 Corton-Charlemagne from Bonneau du Martray encapsulates this narrative brilliantly. With an aromatic mélange that channels crisp apple alongside quince and subtle nuttiness, its spine of minerality interlaces with a delicate complexity – alluding to an excellent cellaring potential.

This is a white with depth and precision; it radiates the confidence of its maker and the grandeur of its lineage. As it unfurls in the glass, investors can also appreciate a layered structure that promises to unveil further nuances over time.

In conclusion, the vintage factors combine seductively in the 2017 Corton-Charlemagne from Bonneau du Martray – offering weight, structure and an intricate ballet of flavours. Affirming itself as one of the most engaging pursuits for supporters of noble Burgundy whites, it is an integral addition to any fine wine portfolio seeking both pleasure and promise.

Market price (SGD)

$5,940.00

12x75cl

Highest score

96

POP score

222.5

Scores and tasting notes

96

The 2017 Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru is showing superbly from bottle, wafting from the glass with a complex and beautifully integrated bouquet of pear, citrus oil, toasted sesame, warm bread, oyster shell and white flowers. On the palate, it's full-bodied, layered and multidimensional, with a racy spine of acidity and superb concentration without weight, followed by a long, defined finish. Surpassing the high expectations I formed a year ago, this would appear to be the finest wine produced at Bonneau du Martray for over a decade.

William Kelley - The Wine Advocate, 9 January 2020

Vintage performance