Bouchard Pere & Fils Corton Charlemagne 2022
Introduction
The Corton-Charlemagne is a prestigious Grand Cru produced from estate-owned vines (Domaine) located at the very top of the hill of Corton, specifically in a 3.65-hectare plot directly below the forest where the soil is characterized by yellow marl and limestone pebbles.
Wine Description
The 2022 vintage is recognized as a powerful and substantial expression that successfully reflects a warm growing season while maintaining remarkable fresh acidity and mineral tension.
Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay.
Aromatic Profile: The nose is spectacularly complex, featuring notes of rose hips, ripe peach, and yellow plums. These are interwoven with refined scents of toasted almonds, rising bread dough, and the "gunflint" or stony minerality typical of the appellation.
Palate and Body: This is a full-bodied and multidimensional wine. It offers an ample, "fat" texture on the mid-palate with flavors of lemon curd, apricot, and pastry. The warmth of the summer is evident in subtle tropical hints of mango or pineapple, which are perfectly balanced by a silver bead of acidity.
Structure: The attack is tense and precise, leading to a long, vibrant finish. It is noted for its "remarkable mineral salinity" and a texture that feels both creamy and chiselled.
Winemaking and Aging: The grapes are organically grown and hand-harvested. After a meticulous sorting and whole-bunch pressing, the wine is aged for 16 to 20 months in French oak casks (approximately 25% to 30% new oak), with the final few months spent in large foudres to harmonize the blend.
ABV: Typically 13.5% to 14%.
Optimal Drinking Window: While accessible in its youth after decanting, this is a legendary white wine built for the long term. It is best enjoyed from 2025 or 2026, with the potential to evolve gracefully for 15 to 20 years (through 2042+).
Accolades
The 2022 vintage has received elite scores from major wine critics:
Professional Ratings
97 Points - James Suckling: The nose of this very beautiful Corton-Charlemagne transports me to an Alpine meadow, when all the wild flowers are blossoming. I love the restrained, citrusy richness that is effortlessly interwoven with the stony minerality on the medium- to full-bodied palate of this graceful, yet highly-structured wine. Still quite tight at the very salty finish, but so much to give. From a 3.65 hectare plot at the very top of the hill of Corton, directly below the forest with a yellow mark soil. From organically grown grapes. Drinkable now, but best from 2025.
94 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: Aromas of pear, green apple, white flowers and wet stones introduce the 2022 Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru, a deep, medium to full-bodied wine that's taut, chiseled and racy, with excellent depth at the core and an abundance of chalky structuring extract. As usual, it derives from the domaine's holdings on the Ladoix side. Barrel Sample: 93-94
94 Points - Wine Spectator: A creamy style, boasting lemon curd, peach and pastry aromas and flavors. Builds to a crescendo midpalate before turning more focused on the lemon-, mineral- and spice-tinged finish. Multidimensional and long.
Product Information
Product Information
Shipping & Returns
Shipping & Returns
Description
Introduction
The Corton-Charlemagne is a prestigious Grand Cru produced from estate-owned vines (Domaine) located at the very top of the hill of Corton, specifically in a 3.65-hectare plot directly below the forest where the soil is characterized by yellow marl and limestone pebbles.
Wine Description
The 2022 vintage is recognized as a powerful and substantial expression that successfully reflects a warm growing season while maintaining remarkable fresh acidity and mineral tension.
Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay.
Aromatic Profile: The nose is spectacularly complex, featuring notes of rose hips, ripe peach, and yellow plums. These are interwoven with refined scents of toasted almonds, rising bread dough, and the "gunflint" or stony minerality typical of the appellation.
Palate and Body: This is a full-bodied and multidimensional wine. It offers an ample, "fat" texture on the mid-palate with flavors of lemon curd, apricot, and pastry. The warmth of the summer is evident in subtle tropical hints of mango or pineapple, which are perfectly balanced by a silver bead of acidity.
Structure: The attack is tense and precise, leading to a long, vibrant finish. It is noted for its "remarkable mineral salinity" and a texture that feels both creamy and chiselled.
Winemaking and Aging: The grapes are organically grown and hand-harvested. After a meticulous sorting and whole-bunch pressing, the wine is aged for 16 to 20 months in French oak casks (approximately 25% to 30% new oak), with the final few months spent in large foudres to harmonize the blend.
ABV: Typically 13.5% to 14%.
Optimal Drinking Window: While accessible in its youth after decanting, this is a legendary white wine built for the long term. It is best enjoyed from 2025 or 2026, with the potential to evolve gracefully for 15 to 20 years (through 2042+).
Accolades
The 2022 vintage has received elite scores from major wine critics:
Professional Ratings
97 Points - James Suckling: The nose of this very beautiful Corton-Charlemagne transports me to an Alpine meadow, when all the wild flowers are blossoming. I love the restrained, citrusy richness that is effortlessly interwoven with the stony minerality on the medium- to full-bodied palate of this graceful, yet highly-structured wine. Still quite tight at the very salty finish, but so much to give. From a 3.65 hectare plot at the very top of the hill of Corton, directly below the forest with a yellow mark soil. From organically grown grapes. Drinkable now, but best from 2025.
94 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: Aromas of pear, green apple, white flowers and wet stones introduce the 2022 Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru, a deep, medium to full-bodied wine that's taut, chiseled and racy, with excellent depth at the core and an abundance of chalky structuring extract. As usual, it derives from the domaine's holdings on the Ladoix side. Barrel Sample: 93-94
94 Points - Wine Spectator: A creamy style, boasting lemon curd, peach and pastry aromas and flavors. Builds to a crescendo midpalate before turning more focused on the lemon-, mineral- and spice-tinged finish. Multidimensional and long.
