Verget consistently produces wine at the highest levels of Burgundy. The 98 Corton Charlemagne is no exception. Medium gold color with focused and bright aromas of sauteed apples, vanilla spice, lemon, slight graham crackers, and custard. Ethereal yet persistent flavors echo the wine's bouquet. A simply gorgeous wine - although in the interest of full disclosure Corton-Charlemagne is always one of my favorite Burgundian Grand Crus. Drink now to 2007. 93 points.

Thanks for the notes on this one. I wasn't sure if this one would be even close to being ready. One of these just might have to come out of storage.

Even the best 98s are not ideally suited for a long sojurn in the cellar. This was the last 98 CC by Verget I had in my cellar.

Agree - most of my '98s are gone or at home ready to go. All that's left in storage is the Grand Crus. Time for some seafood...

I have no '98 Burgs left in my cellar, red or white. I brought the last '98 I had (Mortet Gevrey Cham. Au Velle) to CA on my most recent trip. I do have a handful of GC whites from '96 and a bunch of '99 reds and about 2 cases of '00 whites. I may not buy any '00 reds at all. Gotta save up for '01 CA Cab.

jb

Other than the odd bottle or two, I am skipping the 2000 Reds as well.

are there any 2000 red burgs worth buying?

So far I haven't tasted anything which demands that I buy a ton of it.

Most reports say that it will be a down year for reds. I'm surprised we haven't seen Rovani's scores yet, but maybe in the next issue. 2002 should be the next great Burgundy vintage for both red and white. However, I will ask for the newest list from our guy in Chassagne, ojeffso.

jb

I haven't bought any '00s either. I expect these to be treated by retailers in the same way as '98 Cal Cabs - many of them will be on the shelves for a couple of years at least and will be discounted. At least one prominent retailer here has already started doing so.

j_b - Wondering what makes you say that 2002 will be the next great Burgundy vintage? Have you seen many published reports?

The reason I ask is that 2002 is the year I got married and I would love to be able to put down some White Burgundy for short-term anniversaries (up to 5 years).

Thanks.

From a discussion with someone in Burgundy and the report by Per Henik Mannson of WS, all accounts are that it will be a great but not spectacular year. More along the lines of '93 than '90. Looking forward to it, but the wines won't be available for a couple years.

jb

j_b - Thanks. Just looking ahead and was pleased to read your note. The additional detail is most appreciated.