Moving north of the Beaune / Paris motorway into the vineyards of Aloxe Corton proved to be a pleasant suprise. The wines in this flight were textured and structured and brimming with ripe black fruits. My marks are up with the best of the Côtes de Beaune. Tollot Beaut's Aloxe Corton Les Fournières took pole just ahead their Les Vercots and the Aloxe Clos de Chapitre of Follin Arbelet.
Two flights of Corton followed and were on the whole much more exciting than expected. These 06's have substance, acidity and grip and are still of youthful colour and nature. The charm and release of fruit will come with maturity in 3-6 years time. The first flight included all but the Grand Crus of Bressandes and Clos du Roi. Top marks went to the Corton of Follin Arbelet; pinot noir planted on limestone soil, most usually planted with Chardonnay. The result is an 06 of rare elegance dark ripe fruits and fine ripe tannins The second flight served to showcase just how good Corton is in this vintage, the Bressandes of Tollot Beaut being up with the best.
