The 2011 Ladoix Blanc has a popcorn and praline-scented bouquet that is light and dainty. The palate has a creamy texture with a touch of spice infusing the citrus fruit, though the finish is too smudged for my own liking. Drink now-2016.
Edmond Cornu handed the reins of his domaine to his son Pierre some years ago, although Edmond remains in an advisory role and Pierre’s cousin has also joined. They farm around 15 hectares of vineyard, and their fruit is destemmed before being fermented in stainless steel and raised in oak for 14 to 18 months. Having tasted their wines often in the UK, I knew what to expect. While they rarely reach the heights of growers with more propitious holdings, these are well-crafted, unassuming, balanced and terroir-specific wines imbued with plenty of character. Generally, they are best consumed in their youth in order to savor their freshness and vitality.
Importer: A Neal Rosenthal Selection; www.madrose.com; tel. (518) 207-9100. Also available through McKinley Vintners (UK)