1999 Corton Charlemagne
By Domaine Coche-Dury
1999 Corton Charlemagne from Domaine Coche-Dury, Burgundy, France
In the pantheon of Burgundy whites, the 1999 Corton Charlemagne from Domaine Coche-Dury commands a reverence shared by few others. This celebrated release embodies the precision and profundity that enthusiasts and investors alike expect when exploring the elevated echelons of Burgundian expression.
Pedigree and Poise: A Symphony of Terroir
Domaine Coche-Dury's meticulous vineyard management and restrained, though masterful, oenological practices have rendered a 1999 Corton Charlemagne that ensnares the senses. It is a vintage that reflects an exceptional comprehension of the intrinsics of its terroir—a wine that thrives not only under Jean-François Coche's stewardship but due to the season's climatic benevolence.
A Vintage Rooted in Elegance
The weather patterns of 1999, particularly during the defining months of Burgundy's growing cycle, have imprinted upon this Corton Charlemagne an unparalleled concentration balanced deftly with ethereal acidity. When one dissects the character of this wine, they uncover layers of honed minerality paired with an almost imperceptible kiss of oak—a tertiary caress testament to its years in bottle.
Even now, approaching its third decade, this wine brandishes a regal freshness and vibrancy. Palette-stroking notes of almond, honeycomb, and citrus are entwined with flutters of wet stone and crème brûlée—a complexity that captivates connoisseurs and ensures that the reputation of the 1999 vintage endures.
For those seeking investment opportunities or additions to private cellars, this vintage stands as a prized asset. Its balance of longevity and current drinkability presents a dual proposition: a delight for those wishing to indulge now or patience rewarded for future decants.
Conclusion: A Testament to Time
Unquestionably, the 1999 Corton Charlemagne from Domaine Coche-Dury is a bastion of Burgundian brilliance—its reputation augmented by age yet unyielding in stature. As I reflect on its journey from harvest to glass, I find myself charmed by its quiet confidence—a marker not merely of a reputable domaine but a testament to an extraordinary vintage that continues to unfurl its story with each savoured sip.
Current market price
£100,800.00
12x75cl
Highest score
100
POP score
5040
Scores and tasting notes
The 1999 Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru is a spectacular white Burgundy that numbers among the greatest recent vintages of this legendary wine, wafting from the glass with notes of preserved citrus, toasted sesame, buttered popcorn and gingerbread, showing more and more complexity as it unwinds in the glass. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, deep and concentrated, with wonderful tension at the core, its glossy texture underpinned by a bright line of acidity that carries through the penetrating, searingly intense and unremitting finish. This Corton-Charlemagne’s sheer length marks it out as one of the high points of this tasting. Jean-François Coche observes that the 1999 vintage was tight-knit and rather unyielding in its youth but that he always had confidence in its extraordinary potential.
William Kelley - The Wine Advocate, 27 April 2018