Viniou Reviews
Domaine Ponsot’s 2009 Corton Grand Cru ‘Cuvée du Bourdon’ is an exceptional Burgundy crafted in the heart of the Côte de Beaune. As a Grand Cru from one of the region’s most acclaimed producers, this wine is composed from 100% Pinot Noir grapes, typical for the appellation. The 2009 vintage was marked by a long, warm summer, which allowed for full ripening of the fruit, resulting in a wine that offers both generous structure and refined complexity. Domaine Ponsot is renowned for its traditional winemaking methods: low intervention in the cellar, indigenous yeast fermentation, minimal new oak, and a focus on terroir expression. The corton terroir is particularly noteworthy for its marly-limestone soils, infusing the wine with both opulence and a marked mineral clarity. The ‘Cuvée du Bourdon’ shows deep garnet colour, with aromas that unfold from ripe black cherry and blackberry to violet, forest floor, and subtle hints of spice and truffle, thanks to ten years of bottle age. The palate is structured yet silky, with concentrated fruit, firm tannins, and a persistent, elegant finish.
Corton sits in the northernmost tip of the Côte de Beaune and is unique in Burgundy for its concentration of Grand Cru red wines. The region is shaped by its famous hill, whose gentle slopes are covered in vineyards with an ideal south-east exposure. The climate is continental, with marked seasonal variations that create perfect conditions for nuanced, expressive Pinot Noir. Soils here are a patchwork of limestone, marl, and clay, contributing both power and finesse to the wines. Historically, Corton’s reputation has been cemented for centuries as a reference for age-worthy, complex red Burgundies.
This wine pairs beautifully with refined dishes that complement its depth and structure. Classic Burgundian fare such as coq au vin, beef bourguignon, or roast duck with cherry sauce are superb companions. For a more regional experience, try it alongside Époisses cheese or earthy mushroom dishes, which will mirror the wine’s savoury and truffle notes.
To fully enjoy this Corton Grand Cru, serve it between 16-18°C. If possible, decant the wine for an hour prior to tasting to allow the aromas to unfurl. This is a wine at its peak, showing both the generosity of the 2009 vintage and the inimitable elegance of its origin.
