This bottle of L Latour's 1976 Corton-Charlemagne has been stored
properly by me since shortly after release. Latour's Corton-Charlemagne
can be quite slow to mature and can last about as well as a red
Burgundy when conditions are correct. Some wines from the very hot year
of 1976 lacked acid and did not last so well, but this wine has plenty
of acid. The wine is about as big as a Chardonnay gets in Burgundy, but
fortunately it has very good balance. It is very full, has mineral and
considerable citrus and other fruit character, and a bit of oak. It has
a very long finish, and a somewhat creamy texture. The color is fairly
light lemon with no hint of brown. I detect no oxidation. There will be
no advantage in keeping this wine, but it is likely to hold well at
least a few more years.