Louis Latour Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru 2022

Louis Latour, in Burgundy since 1797, draws this Chardonnay from Corton-Charlemagne, the grand cru that wraps the upper slopes of the hill of Corton. The site defines the wine: cool, high, west and south-facing limestone marl ripens Chardonnay slowly and evenly, giving a rare combination of power and tension that marks the appellation out even among grand crus. The vineyards are farmed sustainably. Fruit is whole-bunch pressed and both fermented and aged in French oak barrels, where malolactic fermentation softens the naturally high acidity into a rounder, buttery frame and extended lees contact builds a creamy, bready texture. The oak is used for structure and slow oxygen exchange rather than overt flavour, so the barrel supports the fruit instead of masking it. The colour is bright gold. The nose is tightly wound at first, opening to hazelnut, toasted bread, white peach and a honeyed depth lifted by citrus peel. The palate is full and mineral, the richness driven by a firm, saline line that gives the long finish its cut. This is a wine built to age. Serve at 12 to 14 degrees in a large glass.