From a parcel in Aloxe, the 2010 Quintessence de Corton-Charlemagne is quite a bit cooler and more reticent than the straight Corton-Charlemagne. White flowers, pears and crushed rocks are all woven together beautifully in this vibrant, deeply expressive Corton-Charlemagne. Ideally, the 2010 needs at least a couple of years for the fruit to emerge. Today, the incisive, crystalline mineral notes are most prominent. The silky, precise finish leaves a strong lasting impression. Anticipated maturity: 2014+. Vincent Girardin recently sold his operation to Compagnie des Vins d’Autrefois, which previously had an ownership stake in the company. As part of the transaction, Girardin keeps eight hectares of vineyards, from which he will continue to supply the house. I am told that all the other fruit contracts remain in place, ensuring continuity in the maison’s range. Long-time winemaker Eric Germain, who has worked alongside Girardin for ten years, remains at the helm. So far, it looks like a little has changed, but it is early days so we will see. Germain told me the 2010s were harvested beginning on September 5. The premier and grand crus spent 18 months in oak (20% new), followed by two months in steel before being bottled in April and May 2012. As I wrote last year, the Girardin wines have undergone a pretty dramatic stylistic shift over the last few years. Today, the wines are made in a brighter, more focused style with less of the overt richness and oak influence the winemaking team believes was contributing to the premature evolution of the wines. Importer: Vineyard Brands, Birmingham, AL; tel. (205) 980-8802