Chateau Corton Grancey Grand Cru - 2003

Château Corton Grancey Grand Cru 2003 is a 750ml Burgundy Grand Cru Pinot Noir from Maison Louis Latour, bottled at 13.5% ABV. Scored 90 points by Wine Spectator, this vintage draws from five celebrated Corton lieu-dit parcels and represents one of the most selective Grand Cru cuvées in the Côte de Beaune.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.5%  |  Origin: Corton Grand Cru, Côte de Beaune, Burgundy, France  |  Vintage: 2003  |  Producer: Maison Louis Latour

Production & Heritage

Maison Louis Latour, founded in 1797, is the largest landowner in Corton Grand Cru and one of Burgundy's most historic négociant-éleveurs. Château Corton Grancey is assembled from five distinct Domaine Latour parcels within the Corton appellation — Bressandes, Perrières, Grèves, Clos du Roi, and Chaumes — each fermented separately in traditional open vats. After individual aging for 10 to 12 months in French oak barrels (35% new), only the finest barrels are selected for the final blend; vintages that fail to meet Louis Latour's strict maturity standards are systematically declassified, meaning Château Corton Grancey is produced only when conditions allow truly exceptional quality.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The 2003 opens with intense, dark-fruited concentration — ripe blackberry and dark cherry dominate, followed by layers of cassis, wet oak, and refined earthy undertones. Subtle spice and a whisper of brown sugar emerge with time in the glass.

Taste: The entry is rich and full-bodied, immediately delivering sweet ripe cherry and plum alongside dense, structured tannins. At mid-palate, black cherry deepens and cassis surges forward, balanced by vibrant acidity and floral nuance. The 2003 vintage's notorious warmth shows in the wine's generous fruit concentration, yet the Grand Cru terroir preserves freshness and equilibrium.

Finish: A long, powerful finish with slightly coarse but well-integrated tannins and lingering earthy, dark fruit persistence. Hints of spice and brown sugar recur as the wine slowly fades.

How to Drink Corton Grancey 2003

A Burgundy Grand Cru of this age and stature is best served neat at cellar temperature (60–64°F) in a wide-bowled Burgundy glass to allow its complex aromatics to unfold. Decanting for 30 to 45 minutes can help soften the tannins and open up the earthy, spicy layers. This is a wine meant for contemplative sipping rather than cocktails — its nuance and structure reward undivided attention at the table or fireside.

Best For

• Gifting a serious Burgundy collector or Grand Cru enthusiast
• Anchoring a mature Burgundy tasting flight alongside other Côte de Beaune reds
• Celebrating milestone anniversaries or events connected to the 2003 vintage year
• Pairing with a refined French dinner of game, aged cheese, or roasted duck

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Corton Grancey 2003 taste like? It is a full-bodied Pinot Noir dominated by dark cherry, cassis, and ripe plum, supported by dense tannins and earthy, spicy undertones. The 2003 vintage delivers generous fruit concentration balanced by fresh acidity and a long, powerful finish.

How does Corton Grancey compare to Pommard? Both are structured, age-worthy reds from the Côte de Beaune, but Corton Grancey holds Grand Cru status — the highest classification in Burgundy — while Pommard is classified at the village and Premier Cru level. Corton Grancey's multi-parcel blend across five Grand Cru lieux-dits typically yields greater aromatic complexity and depth than a single-vineyard Pommard.

Is Corton Grancey 2003 good for cellaring? At over two decades old, the 2003 is already mature but its dense tannin structure and Grand Cru concentration suggest it can continue to hold in proper cellar conditions. That said, it is drinking in a rewarding window now and does not necessarily require further aging.

Where is Corton Grancey made? Château Corton Grancey is produced by Maison Louis Latour at their estate in Aloxe-Corton, within the Corton Grand Cru appellation on the Côte de Beaune in Burgundy, France. The grapes come exclusively from five Domaine Latour parcels: Bressandes, Perrières, Grèves, Clos du Roi, and Chaumes.

What foods pair well with Corton Grancey 2003? Roasted duck breast, as the wine's dark fruit and earthy spice mirror duck's richness. Braised lamb shoulder, which echoes the wine's dense structure. Aged Époisses or Comté cheese, whose savory depth complements the earthy finish. Wild mushroom risotto, which highlights the terroir-driven earthiness. Grilled quail or pheasant, whose gamey character aligns with the wine's mature complexity.

What sizes does Corton Grancey come in? The standard bottling is 750ml, which is the most widely available format for this Grand Cru.

Is Corton Grancey 2003 worth the price? Château Corton Grancey positions as a premium Burgundy Grand Cru, and the 2003 vintage — now fully mature — carries additional collectible value. For a multi-parcel Grand Cru from one of Burgundy's oldest and largest Corton landowners, it represents strong standing within its tier, reinforced by a 90-point Wine Spectator score.

Why Corton Grancey 2003?

Few Burgundy Grand Crus undergo the rigorous barrel-by-barrel selection process that defines Château Corton Grancey — entire vintages are declassified when grape maturity falls short of Louis Latour's standards. The 2003 vintage, marked by an extreme European heat wave, produced unusually ripe, concentrated Pinot Noir that pushed Burgundy's boundaries, and the best examples from that year remain among the most powerful Côte de Beaune reds of the decade. With fruit sourced from five of Corton's most respected lieux-dits and a 90-point Wine Spectator rating, this bottle captures a singular moment in Burgundy's modern history from a house that has shaped the Corton appellation for over two centuries.