1985 DRC Grands Echezeaux and 1996 Roumier Corton Charlemagne

13 Oct 2012:

1985 Grands Echézeaux, DRC.  We were a little worried about this bottle as underneath the capsule,  the cork seemed a little loose at the top - that it could have fallen victim to oxidation. Garnet robe. A classic mature Burgundian nose of dried rose petals, sous-bois, coffee, earth, leather and still more than a hint of raspberry. Silky texture, well integrated and balanced, nice concentration.  Long finish.  Harmonious and elegant, drinking at peak now and for the next 6 - 8+ years.  18/20

1996 Corton-Charlemagne, Roumier: Deep lemon, with golden glints.  A very rich and opulent nose of lanolin, beeswax, toffee, butter, hazelnuts, quince paste, very ripe pear and dried mango, with a whiff of botrytis-like note. Full-bodied, quite alcoholic.  Firm acidity.  Showing very good concentration and intensity, but there is something missing from the balance for a classic Burgundian Chardonnay.  To me, there is a bit of similarity with a New World Chardonnay.  A muscular wine offering richness, power and concentration, rather than elegance and tension.  16.5/20