Like his Chaumees there are four barrels of Pethel's 2007 Corton-Charlemagne which represent the original acreage of his still tiny domaine a parcel in the En Charlemagne near the edge of the village of Pernand. Asked why there was not more in this of all years Pethel said with a laugh "the vines and the vintner collaborate to keep the yields on this constant." Like so many of the best 2007s from Corton-Charlemagne this is unusually forward and strikingly floral in fragrance for its appellation. Scents of iris apple blossom heliotrope and narcissus usher in a creamy palate that gains contrast from a subtle chew of pit fruit skin while preserving a wafting floral dimension that is practically ethereal. This shows a lightness of touch buoyancy and transparency to floral and mineral shadings exceptional even by the exalted standards of this cru. I expect this to be worth following for more than a decade although - in the absence of track record - I don't wish to go further out on a limb.

A discreet touch of pain grillé frames a layered fresh and cool nose of primarily green fruit and wet stone aromas that complement rich full and notably powerful big-bodied flavors brimming with dry extract on the explosive and cuts-like-a-knife finish. An impressive effort that is very Corton-Charlemagne in character.