The 1999 Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru is a spectacular white Burgundy that numbers among the greatest recent vintages of this legendary wine, wafting from the glass with notes of preserved citrus, toasted sesame, buttered popcorn and gingerbread, showing more and more complexity as it unwinds in the glass. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, deep and concentrated, with wonderful tension at the core, its glossy texture underpinned by a bright line of acidity that carries through the penetrating, searingly intense and unremitting finish. This Corton-Charlemagne’s sheer length marks it out as one of the high points of this tasting. Jean-François Coche observes that the 1999 vintage was tight-knit and rather unyielding in its youth but that he always had confidence in its extraordinary potential. - William Kelley

While there is noticeable reduction, it does not materially impede the amazing nose that explodes from the glass with spice, intense minerality and green apple scents. The '99 is a huge wine with muscular flavors of remarkable power that are underpinned by marvelous cut and an overtly austere finish of such length that I almost couldn't believe it. The balance here is perfect and this is without question one of the finest examples of Corton-Charlemagne that I have ever tasted. While this is very close to arriving at its apogee I would hold for another two years or so and drink over the next 20 as this is going to be a very long-term wine. Multiple and consistent notes.