Domaine Bonneau du Martray – Corton-Charlemagne ‘Grand Cru’ 1985

Domaine Bonneau du Martray – Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru 1985: A Burgundian icon at its peak

The 1985 Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru from Domaine Bonneau du Martray ranks amongst Burgundy’s most exceptional white wines. It dates from the legendary era of Jean-Charles Le Bault de la Morinière, who shaped the estate for over three decades before selling it to Stanley Kroenke in 2017 . The 1985 vintage marked a turning point in the history of Burgundian winemaking – for the first time, more and more estates began bottling and marketing their own wines . The wine, made from 100 per cent Chardonnay, comes from the western slopes of the Corton hill, the only Grand Cru site in Burgundy that faces the setting sun .

The tasting notes paint a picture of a wine that has retained its extraordinary youthfulness and has reached, or is just passing, its peak. Its complex nose reveals aromas of citrus oil, clarified butter, sweetcorn, white flowers, as well as mineral and iodine notes . Other descriptions highlight notes of ripe peaches, hazelnuts and cinnamon . On the palate, it is full-bodied, dense and creamy, with brilliant focus, excellent depth and a long, chalky, structured finish . Even at over 35 years old, the acidity remains present and lends the wine a noticeable freshness .

The critics were unanimously enthusiastic. Robert Parker’s team awarded it 95 points and highlighted that, at the time of tasting, the wine still seemed almost too young to be enjoyed at its best . John Gilman awarded it 93 points and noted that the wine had aged beautifully and would keep for another decade . Upon its release, the wine was considered as fresh as the morning dew and designed to last for another quarter of a century, which attests to its legendary ageing potential .

Today, the 1985 Corton-Charlemagne from Bonneau du Martray is a highly sought-after rarity for collectors who are prepared to pay a high price to enjoy one of the world’s greatest white wines at the peak of its maturity .