TN: 1999 Faiveley Corton-Clos des Cortons, Grand Cru

[Anton_D]

A deep colour and still very youthful. Dark fruits are strewn with iron filings. It has a meaty edge and is powerful and brooding but does possesses elements of floral beauty. Balance is really good and it shows authority without the slightest bit of heaviness. Length is superb, and whilst it is still several decades away from its eventual apogee, it does drink well.

That’s a great ‘status report’ note.

It certainly made me want to try it!

[Tom_Blach]

Hi Maureen, the only truly mature Faiveley CdC I have had was the 1964. Also have the 1990 in the cellar. Will try one next year as part of 30 year look back on the 1990 vintage. But my impression is that for 2006 and earlier vintages, 40-50 years from vintage is about right. Based on my own logic I will be in my late 80s before the 2005 will be “ready” - sigh…

Brodie

Sell them and buy the 2010 or 2012 instead which are drinking quite well. We had tasted them recently in our Corton offline.

I sold all my Faiveley from '90s. I did not believe the '96 or '99s would have come around in my life time. I do not have any regrets selling them. Purchased a three mixed cases of the 2015 vintage. Tried a few already . Very enjoyable and I think they will be drinking superbly much before the wines from the '90s.

It’s not just a matter of maturity. The wines from Erwan’s father are likely just not as good as Erwan’s or his grandfather’s.

I’m not sure they are better, but they are certainly not worse and equally certainly far more distinctive. Erwan’s excellent wines have so far tasted like anyone else’s good burgundy whereas the uniquely penetrating aroma and tension of the best of Francois’s wines no longer exists anywhere. I often think them my favourite wines of all though they are not for those who seek opulence. The Corton is potentially the least pleasing of the wines-for real joy go to the amazing 1er crus from Gevrey and Chambolle.