Domaine Ponsot Corton Cuvee du Bourdon Grand Cru 2018

Along the northern tip of the revered Cote de Beaune reigns the Hill of Corton. Since the 8th century, wine grapes have been cultivated along the natural amphitheater on the south side of this massive hill, making for the largest grand cru in all of Burgundy. The region was championed centuries ago by Emperor Charlemagne for the exceptional high quality of its wines and has never looked back. This is a wine for those passionate pinot-philes who eat, sleep and bleed Burgundy. We only have a handful of cases available, but are ecstatic to be able to offer this fabled wine to the First Bottle crew.

A co-fermented blend of three prime climats on Corton’s hill – 60% Les Paulands, 20% Les Perrières and 20% Clos du Roi. With 2018 being a particularly warm and dry vintage for the region, the Ponsot team undertook great pains to elegantly harness the power of these rich, marlstone soils and additional morning sun exposure. The result is an exceptionally nuanced and delicately refined grand cru that, in the words of critic Tim Aktin’s, “whispers rather than shouts”.

Domaine Ponsot, proudly revels in being “unfashionable.” They work with the land, with tradition and intention, but do not succumb to “trends” in farming or production. They never use any new oak barrels for the two year elevage and are strictly minimal and prescriptive with their use of sulfur. Instead, they meticulously top their barrels, to ensure both freshness and limit the opportunity for spoilage of any sort to take root. This is a supremely well-crafted effort, from a remarkable producer and some of the greatest plots of pinot noir in the world. Hold onto this gem for a few years, then proceed to have your mind blown and your soul nourished over the next decade and a half.

PAIRING IDEAS: Keep things classic with this Seared Duck Breast with Cherry Gastrique... add on some roasted mushrooms and glazed carrots for your sides, pour yourself a healthy glass, and enter culinary nirvana.

MUSIC SUGGESTIONS: Let’s stick with the theme and stay old school... the immortal Edith Piaf’s “Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien'' will transport you to the sidewalks of your favorite Parisian bistro.