2018 Henri Magnien Corton Grandes Lolieres

This is a new farming contract taken on from a vigneron who has just retired. The holding comprises 0.31ha of 60 year old vines. Black purple with a touch of sweeter oak. Rich and firm dark fruit with a tannic core. There is good fruit intensity and it finishes juicily with the right mix of red and black notes. 90-93 points

The 2018 Corton Les Grandes Lolières Grand Cru comes from 0.31 hectares on the Ladoix side; the vines are 65 years old. This is the only cuvée from Magnien that, in hindsight, might have been picked a little earlier; it’s just a little overpowering on the nose. The palate is medium-bodied with supple, saturated tannins, moderate acidity and a chalky-textured finish of black currant and cassis fruit. Quite stocky at the moment. It should be afforded 5–6 years in bottle. 90-92 points

Very generous wood fights somewhat with the notably ripe aromas of black cherry, cassis and soft game suggestions. The rich, full-bodied and concentrated large-bodied flavors possess a suave and rounded mouthfeel that contrasts somewhat with the powerful, dusty and moderately structured finish that offers very fine depth and persistence. Again, my sense is that the wood will eventually integrate. 90-93 points

Deep cherry red. Intense aroma of extremely pure fruit, ripe but not at all overripe. Firm, deep and chewy on the palate. Compact, polished tannins. Perfect harmony in a baby wine with a long life ahead. 17.5+ points