The '06 is more obviously floral in aromatic character than the '05 with a complex, ripe and elegant mix of green apple, spice and minerality that complements perfectly the round, rich, detailed and stony flavors that possess ample mid-palate fat and superb depth of material, all wrapped in a gorgeously long and palate staining finish. A study in harmony and grace. Tasted: Jul 01, 2008 Score: 92-94 Drink: 2014+ Comments: Sweet spot Issue 31 Allen Meadows; Burghound

Jean-Charles le Bault de la Morinière told me that "the 2006 growing season began with a long and cold winter that gave way to fine weather during the spring. May however was cool and overcast but beginning on the 10th of June, fine weather again was present that remained very dry. In fact, it was so dry that several reports were disseminated that compared June 2006 to that of 1976. Flowering occurred between the 12th and 16th of June under favorable conditions, which lasted almost to the very end of July, which was extremely hot. In this season of contrasts however, August was rather cool, wet and cloudy. Véraison occurred between the 9th and 21st of August. The sunshine and heat returned in September and both were a bit higher than normal. We began picking on the 18th of September and picked the Corton rouge on the 19th. Sorting was really minimal and we had losses of only 2%. Yields were about what we aim for, which is to say 34 hl/ha and our goal is 35 so about right with sugars that averaged right at 13%. I did the longest cuvaison that we have ever done of around 20 days. I like the style of the vintage a lot as it's more elegant than 2005 if less concentrated." I found myself agreeing with Morinière that while the styles of the Corton 2005 and 2006 were clearly different, there really wasn't a lot separating them qualitatively and probably not a great deal in terms of longevity either as the additional 3 days of cuvaison (it was 17 days in 2005) added more structure.