Armand Rousseau Chambertin Grand Cru 1985 750ml

Burghound.com/ Tasted: Nov 03, 2011
I have experienced quite a bit of bottle variation with both this and the '85 Clos de Bèze with some relatively tired bottles and others that can be sensational but as the years have taken their toll, even the best bottles are displaying some fragility. Excellent bottles still offer stunningly elegant and beautifully complex aromas that are now evidences noticeable amounts of sous bois and spice before introducing rich, precise and now velvety medium-bodied flavors and outstanding length. While no longer a powerful wine, this is still an exercise in harmony and focus. Multiple but inconsistent notes.

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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