Corton Bressandes 2018 - Domaine Philippe Pacalet

Nose

The bouquet opens with intense ruby-garnet hue aromas of black fruit (blackcurrant, morello cherry) and red fruits (strauberry, redcurrant) layered with warm notes of smoked sandalwood, subtle incense, dark chocolate, and a whisper of violet/acacia florals. Beneath lies a chalky minerality and elegant spice (white pepper, clove). According to producer’s site: “veloutée … pêche de vigne, fruits rouges … fumées et bois de santal … fine minéralité” 

Palate

On the palate, the wine offers a full-bodied yet finely textured frame: the fruit core is ripe, dark and elegant; the tannins are fine-grained, structured but not aggressive. There is a lively acid drive that keeps the wine fresh, and a saline-mineral thread that underpins the finish. The finish is long, precise, with lingering red/black fruit echoes, a tone of underbrush and forest floor, and a sense of pure Corton power refined via Pacalet’s minimal-intervention style. Reviews note its “delicate and powerful” balance.