Domaine Bonneau du Martray Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru 2019

Domaine Bonneau du Martray is one of the great names of the Côte de Beaune, holding a substantial share of the Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru on the hill of Corton. The vineyard sits on marl and limestone soils that lend Chardonnay here its firm structure and mineral cut, while the cool aspect of the slope slows ripening and preserves acidity. Farming is biodynamic and organic. In the cellar the wine spends twelve months in oak barrels followed by six months in stainless steel. Barrel ageing softens the wine through slow oxygen exchange and builds texture, while the fruit rested on its lees gains breadth and a fine creaminess. The 2019 pours pale gold. The nose shows white peach, lemon and hazelnut over toasted bread and a light oak spice. The palate is broad but tightly framed, carrying honey and stone fruit across a saline, chalky finish that runs long. This is a wine built for the table and for the cellar. Serve at 12 to 14 degrees in a large glass, and give young bottles a short decant.