Domaine Michel Mallard Corton Grand Cru / 2021 / 750mL

Domaine Michel Mallard Corton Grand Cru "Les Maréchaudes" 2021 is a Pinot Noir from the Côte de Beaune end of Burgundy, grown on the south-eastern flank of the hill of Corton. It is a fine-boned, savoury take on grand cru red rather than a big one, and the cool, frost-marked 2021 season shows in its lift and lower-key ripeness.

Red cherry, cranberry and rose sit over darker notes of beetroot, iron and turned earth, with a touch of black tea and crushed stone as it opens. Air brings out something floral and faintly peppery, the sort of perfume that tends to arrive in cooler Burgundy vintages.

The palate is slender and long rather than broad, with bright acidity carrying redcurrant and pomegranate fruit across fine, slightly grainy tannins. Maréchaudes has the clay-influenced grip typical of this part of the Corton hill, and the finish is dry, mineral and persistent, closing on sour cherry and salt.

Serve it with duck breast, roast quail, mushroom risotto or a plate of charcuterie and washed-rind cheese. Give it half an hour in a decanter if you are drinking it young, and keep the temperature just below room — around 16 degrees suits it.

Drinking well from 2026, with the acid line and tannin structure to reward cellaring through to about 2038.