Armand Rousseau Chambertin Clos de Beze Grand Cru 1996 750ml

Burghound.com, Oct 11, 2016
The highly expressive, pure, pretty and exquisitely complex aromas display notes of secondary red and dark fruit, spice elements and earth, indeed this is positively kaleidoscopic in breadth. The still moderately tannic, sappy, intense and equally complex flavors deliver a refined mouth feel on the notably vibrant, explosive and gorgeously long finish that displays just a hint of acid tang. While this could easily be enjoyed now with 30 minutes or so of aeration, personally I will continue to hold my bottles for a few more years as the mild dryness does not appear to be a major concern, at least not at this point. Tasted many times over the years with largely consistent notes; I say largely because I have noticed that some bottles exhibit noticeable reduction though a quick aeration is generally sufficient to dissipate it.

As years go by, Armand Rousseau continues to enlarge his Domain with the purchase of more Grands Crus: Mazy Chambertin in 1937, Mazoyeres Chambertin in 1940, Chambertin in 1943 and 1956.
The Clos Saint Jacques is bought in 1954 in his son Charles's name who joins his father in 1945. In 1959, after Armand Rousseau's death, Charles Rousseau is at the head of a Domain, continue developing rapidly. He then decides to turn principally towards export. He develops the exchanges first with European countries, then to Canada, Australia, New-Zealand, Brazil, etc. and lastly Asia in the 1970's.
In 1982, Eric, his son joined the team after his studies. He starts in the vineyards and introduces new techniques as green harvest, leaf removal and a mechanic work of the soil without insecticides or chemical additions. He orientates the Domaine near a viticulture more biologic and get involve with the vinification. He keeps a traditional way of winemaking with the minimum of manipulations.
The wines from Domaine Armand Rousseau have improve over the years but it has always kept the same spirit as when Armand and Charles were making it. The Rousseau hand is a style of wine very recognizable. The wines are typically Burgundian wines: Fine, Elegant and a honest, truly expression of the vineyards through the Pinot grape and a little piece of the winemaker.

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