Armand Rousseau Clos de la Roche Grand Cru 1996 750ml

Burghound.com/Tasted: Jan 17, 2004
Exuberant, still completely primary and altogether lovely aromas of earth, red fruits and a hint of game lead to barely medium weight flavors that are wonderfully pure, utterly delicious and beautifully defined. Initially, the wine seems quite light, too light in fact but with 30 minutes of air, the aromas and flavors deepen and broaden, becoming richer and more interesting. Still, this is hardly typical of the vineyard as the wine is so delicious and sweet that it's gulpable, which is a word that is not exactly a compliment when one is referring to high end Burgundy. I liked this quite a bit but again, for reasons that wouldn't necessarily apply to a classic Clos de la Roche. One could easy approach this now though if you do, give it at least 30 minutes of air first. That said, I would be inclined to give it another 2 to 3 years in the cellar as it certainly has the balance and acidity to age gracefully.

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.

Meats, Duck, Goose and Game Birds