Joseph Drouhin : Corton Grand cru 2018

Cherry, crushed-strawberry and rose aromas with notes of fresh herbs. It’s medium- to full-bodied with sleek tannins and lively acidity. Round and juicy with a bright core of fruit on the mid-palate. Fresh, with soft power and a flavorful finish. Needs two or three years to soften.

30% whole bunch. Two different sites. Cask sample. Deep cherry red. Ripe damson, rich in ripe fruit. But the texture gives elegance to that ripe fruit. Firm, dry with lovely tannin texture. There’s power but the texture is fine to offset the richness of fruit. Chalky aftertaste. (JH)