Medium-plus ruby-red. Faint higher tones over mineral coated pure red cherry that plums a good depth if not much width – give it another hour and there’s a lovely piercing red note. In the mouth it starts narrow, slowly widening as it heads for the mid-palate. The acidity is forward and more than just a little tart but the tannins are well hidden. Everything remains tight going into the finish but I have to say there is a sneaky extra dimension of creamy flavour that expands further in the finish – certainly the most compelling part. Time gives a little more fat and interestingly a little more astringency to ‘balance’. Okay now, but I won’t open another in the next 5 years…
Corton Clos des Cortons Faiveley
1999 Faiveley Joseph Corton Clos des Cortons Faiveley
Medium, medium-plus cherry-red – looks young. Powdery fruit but with real creamy depth on the palate – completely primary. The palate is likewise very primary, showing a tour-de-force of tannin, more than adequately balanced by the fruit and acidity – super balance. Hard work on its own, but more than palatable with food. I’m so glad that someone else opened this as it means that my own should be safe for at least another 2 or 3 years before curiosity prevails. Give it a decade and it will be super!
1999 Faiveley Joseph Corton Clos des Cortons Faiveley
From the Rognet area of Corton. This is medium-full in colour, with a gorgeous mixture of pure blackberries and cherries on the nose. Really full, mouth-filling, velvetty tannins and excellent acidity. It’s very rich and long with the black fruit clinging to the inside of your mouth with the tannin. Excellent, but really needs many years in the cellar.