Vincent Girardin Corton-perrieres 2021 750ml

This second bottling of Vincent Girardin's 2021 Corton-Perrières represents another selection from this exceptional climat, showcasing the consistency and quality that has made Girardin one of Burgundy's most reliable sources for both domaine and négociant wines. The Perrières sector, with its notably stony soils, produces wines of distinctive mineral character, beautifully expressed in this precise vintage.

The aromatic profile immediately reveals the site's unique signature, with crushed stone and graphite notes providing a mineral framework for the bright red fruit. Cherry, raspberry, and redcurrant aromas show exceptional clarity and focus, while floral notes of peony and dried violet add elegance. As the wine opens, more complex elements emerge - white truffle, dried herbs, and a subtle smokiness that speaks to the terroir's volcanic origins.

On the palate, this wine demonstrates why Corton-Perrières is considered among the appellation's most distinctive sites. The texture has a unique quality - simultaneously firm and silky, with tannins that seem infused with minerality. The stony soils contribute a particular flavor profile that sets this apart from other Corton climats, with notes of iron, wet slate, and crushed limestone running through the bright fruit. Despite 2021's challenges, there's impressive concentration achieved through careful selection.

What distinguishes this cuvée is its remarkable purity and precision. Each element - fruit, earth, mineral, spice - remains distinct while contributing to a harmonious whole. Mid-palate, notes of blood orange, white pepper, and star anise emerge, while hints of game and forest floor add complexity. The wine's natural acidity provides both structure and energy, creating a dynamic tension that keeps the palate engaged.

Girardin's approach to this challenging vintage has been to emphasize transparency and terroir expression, allowing the unique character of Perrières to shine through. The result is a wine that may lack the obvious power of warmer vintages but compensates with superior definition and aging potential. This is Corton for purists - a wine that prioritizes site expression over immediate gratification.

The finish is remarkably persistent, with mineral and spice notes that seem to intensify rather than fade. This is a contemplative wine that rewards patient attention, revealing subtle nuances with each sip. While it will certainly benefit from several years of cellaring to fully integrate, its current balance and expressiveness make it fascinating to taste. Pair it with dishes that won't overwhelm its elegance - roasted guinea fowl, wild mushroom preparations, or aged comté would all complement its refined character beautifully.