2023 Etienne Sauzet Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru Cote de Beaune, France

Producer: Domaine Etienne Sauzet.

Appellation: Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru, Côte de Beaune, Burgundy, France.

Grape Variety: Chardonnay.

Location: Fruit for the 2023 Corton-Charlemagne comes from three parcels in Aloxe, Pernand, and Ladoix, at the top of the Corton hill. 

2023 Vintage Details:

• Harvest: The 2023 harvest had favorable weather, though the ripening period saw quick sugar increases, requiring careful timing for picking.


• Vinification: Preserving acidity by cutting out higher pH fractions in the final pressings resulted in balanced and fresh wines.


• Aromas/Flavors: Notes of lemon, popcorn, and brioche are present. The palate is well-defined with impressive weight.


• Reviews/Ratings:
  
  
  
  • Vinous: 91-93 points. Neal Martin noted that it may lack the "nervosité" of the finest Corton-Charlemagne but is well-defined with impressive weight.
  
  
  • CellarTracker: 94 points (based on community tasting notes). Sean Tay, reviewing in November 2024, described it as having a pronounced nose with notes of pear, apple, lemon, and mineral. 
  
  
  
  


• Ageability: The wine is built to age, with an expected drinking window of a decade or more.


• Comparison to 2022: The 2022 vintage may offer more concentration and ageability, but the 2023 vintage is considered to have higher quality of fruit and minerality. 

In summary, the 2023 Etienne Sauzet Corton Charlemagne is a well-regarded and age-worthy white Burgundy, reflecting the quality of the vintage and the producer's commitment to balanced wines.