1995 Corton-Charlemagne
By Bonneau du Martray
1995 Corton-Charlemagne from Bonneau du Martray, Burgundy, France
Embarking on a sensory exploration of Burgundy's illustrious wines, one cannot overlook the 1995 Corton-Charlemagne from Bonneau du Martray. This esteemed producer, known for consistently honouring the grand terroir of Corton-Charlemagne, presents a vintage which exudes both rarity and compelling investment potential.
A Portrait of the Vintage
The year 1995 remains etched in the annals of Burgundy for its grace under climatic pressure; a testament to harmony between vine and vintner. As with many quintessential vintages, the journey to greatness was punctuated with challenges—early summer rains demanded vigilance, succeeded by an august sun lending benevolence at the crucial moment. The result? A harvest yielding grapes of exquisite balance, quintessential for collectors seeking to diversify their portfolios with storied vintage wines.
Oenological Alchemy: The Taste Profile
On the palate, this particular 1995 Corton-Charlemagne articulates a symphony of complex flavours—a mature dance between richness and vibrancy. One discerns a subtle note of honey drizzling over toasted almonds at first glance, evolving into richer strokes of creamy orchard fruits, bolstered by an invigorating minerality that bespeaks its noble lineage. It's pertinent to say, after years cocooned within the cellar's embrace, that this wine has unfurled into a state of expressive poise entirely befitting its pedigree.
The finish boasts longevity and sophistication; it lingers with an aristocratic restraint that is telltale of Bonneau du Martray's meticulous craftsmanship. This level of precision ensures the wine's zenith presents itself not in youthful exuberance but in mature sagacity—a trait greatly admired by connoisseurs and investors alike.
Surely, for enthusiasts poised to enhance their collections with an investment-calibre wine, or merely seeking to savour the artistic legacy left by Burgundy's master vintners, the 1995 Corton-Charlemagne from Bonneau du Martray calls for profound consideration. Its enigmatic character reflects a year where nature and nurture achieved confluence to craft something beyond the ordinary. For those who appreciate narratives steeped in heritage and flavour – this vintage stands as one of structured elegance amidst the tapestry of fine wine investment.
Market price (SGD)
$6,130.00
12x75cl
Highest score
93
POP score
282.31
Scores and tasting notes
I was bowled-over by the quality of the 1995 Corton-Charlemagne, it is certainly the finest wine I have tasted from this famous estate. Beguiling aromas of red berries, vanilla, and traces of coconut are followed by a powerful punch of concentrated, extracted, and intense flavors. This gorgeous medium-to-full-bodied wine has a tightly wound "nugget" of red currants, almonds, hazelnuts, pears, and minerals in its silky-textured, extremely well-balanced, and admirably long character. It should be at its peak between 2002 and 2010. Bravo! to Jean-Charles de la Moriniere for the three outstanding Corton-Charlemagnes he has crafted since taking over this estate in 1994. Importer: Seagram Chateau & Estate Wines Company, New York, NY; tel (212) 572-7725.
Pierre Rovani - The Wine Advocate, 29 April 1998