Clear, transparent, light garnet with slight bricking on the edges. Earthy black cherry and cranberry nose. Lean, with relatively simple cherry flavors. Good balance, some fine tannins lurking in the background, and a nice, long finish.

This wine tastes like it was harvested a little early, and then augmented with lots of "sunshine in a bag". The structure is there, but it needs more richness and complexity to be considered an outstanding wine. I paid $25 for this and won't buy more. 86 points.

Duke, when I saw the title of this thread, I was hoping you found a good one. In my experience, I pretty much onl;y buy Burgundies from extremely good years. I've had so very many disappointing Burgundies from mediocre years. A Corton-Renardes should not be an 86 point wine, even at $25. Of course, if this were a 1996, it would probably cost at least 4 times that.

1998 wasn't a great year, but I've had several winemakers recommend the vintage because it's available now at some pretty good prices and it's generally drinking pretty well right now. I have another Corton, same year and same vineyard from Girardin that I'm going to try tomorrow. We'll see. I've had better luck in the past with Girardin than Merode.

BTW, with more air time the wine is getting better. I'd probably raise the rating a point or two now - still not very good for a Grand Cru.

Duke, please post a tn on the Girardin. I found some locally and am thinking of picking up a few.

jb

Be very careful of Grand Cru Burgundies from mediocre years. I don't think I've ever found a great one. I find it's better to spend the extra money on the great years and get fewer bottles. I have had many disappointing Grand Crus in the past.

I have enjoyed plenty of 1998 Leroy Meursaults. Great maker even in so-so years.