Armand Rousseau Chambertin Grand Cru 1969 750ml

Burghound.com/ Tasted: May 25, 2010
Bricking but some ruby remaining. A wonderfully spicy and stunningly complex nose features hints of sandalwood, earth and plenty of sous bois that is very much in keeping with the equally complex, delicious and quite seductively textured medium-bodied flavors that retain a fine sense of precision and a subtle minerality before expanding like a peacock's tail on the strikingly long finish. This is a classic Rousseau Bèze of both style and grace and while it has certainly peaked and the tannins are now largely resolved, if sourced from good provenance it should continue to drink well for several more decades. In a word, splendid.

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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