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DRC Corton-Charlemagne 2021, 750ml

DRC Corton-Charlemagne 2021, 750ml

$5,495.00 - $5,495.00
$5,495.00
$5,495.00 - $5,495.00
$5,495.00
Availability:
Only 1 left!

The Electric Classic: Purity Born from Struggle

The 2021 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Corton-Charlemagne is a wine defined by defiance. In a year marked by severe April frosts that decimated yields across Burgundy, the Domaine managed to produce a white wine of startling brilliance. Because of the low yields, this is one of the rarest releases in the short history of DRC's stewardship of these vines.

If the 2022 is a wine of "solar" power, the 2021 is a wine of "lunar" precision. It marks a return to a classic, cool-climate Burgundian profile that has become increasingly rare in recent years. It is a wine of tension, energy, and drive—a chiseled expression of the limestone terroir that feels vertical and weightless on the palate.

Tasting Notes

  • Nose: Sharp, focused, and incredibly fresh. The nose is dominated by high-toned aromatics of lime zest, green apple skin, and acacia flowers. The signature DRC reduction—struck match and flint—is present but elegant, interwoven with a distinct scent of crushed oyster shell and sea spray.

  • Palate: The palate is electric. It possesses a laser-like acidity that vibrates from start to finish. There is no fat here; instead, there is intensity and extract. Flavors of citrus oil, fresh ginger, and white peach are delivered with surgical precision.

  • Finish: Saline, chalky, and incredibly persistent, leaving a mouth-watering sensation that begs for another sip.

Technical Details

  • Vintage: 2021

  • Appellation: Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru

  • Vineyard Source: Leased from Bonneau du Martray

  • Production: Severely limited due to frost.

  • Critical Acclaim: 96 Points (Burghound), 95 Points (Robert Parker), 95 Points (Jasper Morris)

Serving & Pairing Recommendations

  • Drinking Window: 2026–2040. While high in acid, the extract makes it approachable relatively young with a decant.

  • Decanting: Essential. Decant for 90 minutes to allow the "nervous" energy of the vintage to settle and the aromatics to open.

  • Serving Temperature: Serve at 54–57°F (12–14°C).

  • Food Pairing: This wine needs food with fat or richness to balance the high acidity. It is the ultimate pairing for Dover sole with lemon butter, caviar, or raw oysters.

Collector's Note The 2021 vintage is a "unicorn" for collectors. Due to the frost, production volumes were significantly down compared to 2020 and 2022. It represents a specific stylistic preference for "tension" over "richness" and is likely to become a cult favorite among purists who prefer the classic style of White Burgundy.