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Corton Renardes 1996 75cl

AOC Grand Cru | Côtes de Beaune | Burgundy | France
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Critics scores
94 Robert Parker
The Corton Renardes color appeared to be a touch lighter than the other offerings. It reveals mouth-watering aromas of super-ripe cherries, plums, bacon, and sweet rose blossoms. This massive, powerful, superbly balanced, delineated, and velvety textured wine explodes on the palate with juicy black and red berries, prunes, and wild game flavors. Its mind-boggling finish exhibits loads of dried fruits and soft, supple tannins. I envy the wealthy collectors that will be able to serve it along side the equally extraordinary 1995! Anticipated maturity: 2003-2012. "There is never any bleeding in my cellars," said Mme. Bize-Leroy just before I gouged myself with my corkscrew, proving her wrong. Of course, she was referring to the winemaking technique of increasing concentration by "bleeding off" the watery juice of a light pressing prior to fermentation, not the results of my battles with her recently bottled wines. As wine lovers have come to expect with every new vintage from this domaine, the 1996 Leroys are extraordinary, benchmark setting wines. This is the only estate I visited whose 1996s were as concentrated as the 1995s, obviously due to the fact that Mme. Bize-Leroy kept her yields exceedingly low (below 25 hectoliters/hectare). These wines will reach their respective peaks sooner than their 1995 counterparts, however, due to their softer tannins and brighter, more forward fruit.
91 Wine Spectator
Very polished and fresh, with smoky, almost baconlike aromas and cherry flavors. Moderately concentrated, with firm tannins and a suave texture. Great length and harmony. Best from 2000 through 2006. –BS
Producer
Domaine Leroy
As it became increasingly difficult to find wines that met the high standards of the Maison Leroy label, Madame Lalou Bize-Leroy decided to purchase her own vineyards. Piecing together several estates, she established Domaine Leroy in 1988. Today, the vineyards stretch over 21-hectares across mostly Grand Cru and Premier Cru classified zones. Following Lalou Bize-Leroy’s deep-rooted belief that everything is alive – from the soil to the grapes to humanity – she immediately introduced biodynamic farming out of respect for the terroir. This formerly controversial cultivation practice, is now a widely-known holistic approach that focuses on the interconnectedness of our environment – taking into account astrological and cosmic influences as well. Without the use of any chemical fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides, or pesticides the vineyards are tended to year round – everything is hand done. The results of this quality-conscious producer are astounding. The wines are extremely concentrated yet refined, with a rare purity that stems from the property’s intuitive vineyards.