2005 Domaine Armand Rousseau, Clos de la Roche Grand Cru 1x75cl

Domaine Armand Rousseau – Burgundy Elite

Armand Rousseau is one of the finest producers on the planet. A titan of Burgundy, the reds from here are monumental examples of Pinot Noir at its imperious best. As Jasper Morris MW says, “This is one of Burgundy’s great domaines any way you look at it – in history, in holdings and in quality of wine.” His thoughts are echoed by Clive Coates MW, who says “There are few finer domaines in the Côte d’Or than that of Armand Rousseau… the winemaking perfectionist – and the wines themselves are stunning”

Attention to detail in the vineyards is meticulous, with incredibly precise control of yields and green harvesting if necessary. In the winery grapes are destemmed and only the Chambertin and Clos de Beze seeing 100% new oak. The wines are finessed and elegant, yet powerful and complex. They are magnificently, a factor that greatly increases their collectability.

The Wines – A Stunning Portfolio

As mentioned by Clive Coates, Rousseau has some spectacular and very enviable holdings in some of Burgundy’s premier addresses. The King and Queen of the portfolio are the mighty Chambertin and Chambertin Clos de Beze. These are frequently among the best wines made in the whole of Burgundy. The flagship Chambertin is imperious, imposing and regal. The Clos de Beze more graceful, forgiving, yielding and a touch more approachable.

The next most famous wine in the line-up is perhaps not another Grand Cru, but one of the finest and most impressive of all 1er Crus, the Gevrey Chambertin Clos St Jacques. This comes from a very special 1er Cru, for Jasper Morris, it is “Perfectly situated on a steep slope with exposure to both south and east, the Clos St Jacques might easily merit grand cru status”. Rousseau’s is the benchmark, the wine that has made Clos St Jacques the icon that it is.

The entire portfolio is superb, as is befitting one of fine wine’s elite producers.