97 point

There’s a gentle, graceful and pure nature to this wine, with aromas of bright red berries, rose petals, crushed river stones, rainforest scrub and ferrous earth. The palate is nervy and tense, with fine boned tannins, bright acidity and a minerally, mouthwatering finish. This is such a pure expression of pinot noir with complete clarity and focus. Pure class with old-vine character from a vineyard planted in 1951. Drink or hold.

91/94

(from a .50 ha holding). Firm reduction overshadows the fruit at present. Once again the mouthfeel of the suave and caressing medium-bodied flavors is quite sleek as the supporting tannins are dense but fine on the lingering and balanced if youthfully austere and compact finish. At least some patience strongly advised.

91/93

The 2023 Corton Le Clos du Roi Grand Cru includes 20% whole bunches. This has a racy bouquet with vivacious red cherries and strawberry fruit, a little…unruly compared to the excellent 2022 last year. Fun, but maybe missing a little nobility. The palate is well balanced with a sweet and slightly candied entry. Vanilla extract infuses the red fruit, with the imprimatur of the wood more conspicuous toward the finish compared to other cuvées from Vougeraie. Broach this before the 2022.