Matured in one-third new oak, the 2016 Corton-Bressandes Grand Cru was unaffected by frost this vintage. There was some reduction on the nose when I tasted this from barrel. Bypassing the aromatics, the palate has good density and body, the new oak a little elevated as the fruit was closing down, but there is a fine line of acidity and a lovely, spicy finish that feels long and persistent. Maybe the Le Corton has a little more precision? Still, this is very fine, if just a little “bigger boned” than its sibling.

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.

Tasted blind at the Burgfest 2014 tasting, the 2014 Corton Bressandes Grand Cru from Tollot-Beaut has plenty of vibrant blackberry and cranberry fruit on the nose, fine mineralité and just a touch of sous bois that surfaces with time. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, very pure with sensual redcurrant and red cherries that fan out with gusto on the finish. This is a taste bud-pleasuring Corton-Bressandes that will offer a decade's worth of drinking, probably more. Tasted September 2017.

Unlike the Corton ’13, the 2013 Corton-Bressandes Grand Cru was unaffected by hail. It has a ripe and fresh prune-tinged bouquet that is a little too showy for my liking. The palate is medium-bodied with quite dense, structured tannins. There is a spicy edge to the fruit, although contrary to expectations, I find slightly more harmony and finesse to the straight Corton this year. Actually, a feuillette showed more expressively and with more grace, so perhaps that is the shape of things to come?

Tasted blind at the annual "Burgfest" tasting in Beaune. The 2012 Corton-Bressandes Grand Cru from Tollot-Beaut was showing some volatility on the nose, but underneath lie attractive red and black fruit that convey great energy and vitality. The palate is medium-bodied with supple ripe tannin. This is very smooth and very harmonious, silky and pure with a patina of creamy new oak on the finish. It is modern in style for sure, but well defined and long in the mouth. If you appreciate bold and brassy Corton-Bressandes, then this is for you.