The 2015 vintage was a rare, relatively easy year for growers. Flowering began early and progressed rapidly; the summer was dry and often sweltering; and, after groundwater levels had been sufficiently replenished over the previous winter, rainfall in August helped alleviate the drought somewhat. Yields remained modest. The grape clusters were small, and many Pinot vines in the Côte de Beaune were still recovering from the hail damage suffered over the past three vintages.
This is fully evident in every bottle. The 2015 vintage possesses the fleshy, dark-fruited weight for which this domaine is well-known, rather than the leaner style typical of cooler years. It is sealed with a natural cork. It will be at its best until 2038, so there's no need to rush.
Robert Parker (93)
The 2015 Corton Bressandes Grand Cru, which was completely de-stemmed, has a fresh, lively and more generous bouquet than the 2015 Corton Grand Cru, the 14.5% alcohol neatly disguised. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin. It is full of pretty dark cherry and blackberry fruit, white pepper and even a touch of tangy marmalade towards the finish. This should flesh out by the time it finishes its élevage. Excellent.
Winespectator (96)
Plush and ripe, this red offers a mix of black cherry, blackberry, violet, vegetal and mineral flavors, starting out a bit slowly, then gathering steam as it builds to a long, saturated finish. Complex, expressive and just a little wild too. Best from 2022 through 2043.
Vinous (91)
The 2015 Corton-Bressandes Grand Cru has a very high-toned, floral bouquet with bunches of pressed violets dominating the fruit. It feels a little overdone and lacks subtlety. The palate is medium-bodied and very showy and ostentatious; this is a Corton desperate to be loved. It is quite seductive, a
Burghound (93)
A slightly more elegant if not quite as fresh combination exhibits a pretty mix of red currant, cherry, plum and subtle earth nuances. There is excellent volume to the richer and slightly rounder medium-bodied flavors that are at once utterly delicious yet entirely serious, all wrapped in a lingering finish where hints of bitter cherry and warmth appear. This is finer if not quite as vibrant as the regular cuvée of Corton and should mature a few years earlier.
Jasper Morris (91)
Whereas the other two 2015s in this tasting had rather gone into their shell, this Corton was still in its puppyish phase. The vigorous rich purple colour indicates the ripeness of the vintage, while sweet oak and ripe fruit provide an explosive bouquet suggestive of the new world, but vibrant lively gorgeous stuff. The oak has a restraining hand here on the palate but there’s no denying that this is a fruit bomb. Tasted Oct 2019.
