Louis Latour Corton Charlemagne 2009

This year is going to be wonderful for passionate Burgundy fans with the release of the heralded 2009 vintage.  Many of the white wines are now in the market and the reds will soon begin to arrive.  2009 in Burgundy was one of those years the growers hope for; a cold winter at the start to hold down pests and disease and then sunny, dry weather starting in August and going right through harvest to yield small berries with thick skins.  These conditions combine for a classic vintage and wines with great flavor and aging potential.

I tasted one of the iconic White Wines of Burgundy, Maison Louis Latour Corton Charlemagne 2009, and it did not disappoint!  In the late 19th century the Latour family took the lead post phylloxera and after ripping out the dead Pinot Noir vines became the first to plant Chardonnay in Corton.  This now historic decision was very controversial at the time but lead to Corton Charlemagne becoming regarded as one of the great white wines of the world.  The Latour 2009 is rich and beautifully balanced with fruit and acidity, hints of mango and sweet spice, great mouthfeel and aromatics of almonds.  I look forward to more of this great vintage!

Louis Fabrice Latour