HENRI DE VILLAMONT
CORTON GRAND CRU
LES RENARDES 2019
Pinot Noir exists on the famous Hill of Corton because of the Roman Emperor Charlemagne, who enjoyed drinking it daily and ordered planting the vines. Legend has it that in his later years, Charlemagne spilled a fair amount of Pinot Noir into his beard, staining his clothes and annoying his wife, who in turn demanded he quit drinking wine. Instead, Charlemagne switched to white wine and replanted part of the hill with Chardonnay, so he could continue drinking wine to his heart’s content.
Les Renardes is a climat within the renowned Corton Grand Cru AOC planted with Pinot Noir, and the wines produced there are still as prized as they were during Charlemagne’s reign. The 2019 vintage was barrel aged in 50% new French oak for 15 months and exudes a generous aromatic expression and impressively mouth-filling, sensual wine.
HENRI DE VILLAMONT
CORTON GRAND CRU
LES RENARDES 2019
Your Price: $135
“While subtle and smoky on the nose, this wine has rich, ripe flavors of blackberry and plum that are densely packed on the palate. Matured 15 months in 50% new oak, the spicy, firmly structured wine is shaded by hints of licorice and black walnut. Taut tannins will ease with a few more years of cellaring. Best approach from 2025–2035.”
93 Points