DOMAINE ARMAND ROUSSEAU
Arguably one of the best Domaines in Burgundy, unquestionably the “King” of Gevrey Chambertin.
Background
Currently, the Domaine is in the hands of Eric Rousseau, flanked by his daughters, Cirille and Elodie. The winemaking philosophy is clear: Fine Land + Old Vines + Low Yields. The Domaine prides itself on having old vines typically 40-45 years (but many are older). The higher than average vine age contributes significantly to the quality of the wines. Hence the vines in their land are kept as long as they are productive. Meticulous care is taken to harvest only the best fruits with minimum fertilisation. Organic compost is applied every 4 years. The amount of work undertaken in the vineyards each summer has increased over the last decade with more resources dedicated to the viticulture of the vineyards. As result, the grapes are far healthier, riper in time.
The amount of stem integrated within the fermentation process is highly dependent on the quality of the vintage. However, this process is usually done over two weeks in open stainless-steel tanks before the wines are fed into barrels. The barrels mainly come from Francois Freres, however, the proportion of new barrels differ with each cuvees. For example, the Clos St-Jacques will see 50-80% new oak, while the Chambertin and Clos de Beze get 100% new oak every vintage.
Wines
Let’s start with the Gevrey-Chambertin Village – usually a blend of different parcels across the Gevrey sector. A total of almost 2 hectares of vineyards result in a savory red with firm and consistent but well-integrated tannins. The wine is super elegant, with great red fruits on the nose. Rich, succulent in texture. Vines here are an average age of 35 years.
Premier Cru
Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Lavaux Saint-Jacques
Always the last to bud in spring and naturally, the last to be harvested. This is due to the cool surroundings, descending from Hautes-Côtes, which also makes Rousseau’s cellar one of the coldest in the village. This wine is fresh, bright, fronting with red fruits. One of the most attractive and mineral wines.
Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Les Cazetiers
Situated in the steep, southeastern facing section of the village, the wines from Les Cazetier have more eastern exposure, therefore ripens earlier. Wines here are rounder with lower acidity and more generous
Grand Cru
Charmes Chambertin Grand Cru
Always delicious, juicy yet elegant – showing tremendously well from cask with an amazing long finish. The soil is relatively deep and rich with more clay – providing richness in the wine.
Mazy-Chambertin Grand Cru
Unlike the Charmes Chambertin, Mazy Chambertin gives more dense, tannic, and masculine wine with impressive power and length.
Gevrey-Chambertin Clos St-Jacques
Long regarded as a Grand Cru quality grape. The Clos St-Jacques have a similar facing to Les Cazetiers, the wine gives fresh but very ripe flavors that build into an amazing finish. Shows very well in cask, but unlike the Les Cazetier, this wine has tremendous depth and length. The ability to age is magnificent.
Grand Cru
Clos de Beze and Chambertin Grand Cru
These two wines are undoubtedly the stars of Domaine Armand Rousseau and are highly sought-after. Price, surprisingly, is hardly a consideration at times. Aged in 100% new oak, the wine has fabulous flavors. When young, the Clos de Beze has more minerals. After 20 years of aging, the Chambertin provides incredible complexity. These are wines not to be missed but wasted if drunk before the age of 15.
Other Wines
Chambertin Clos de Beze Grand Cru
Clos de la Roche Grand
Ruchottes-Chambertin Grand Cru ‘Clos des Ruchottes’ Monopole
Gevrey-Chambertin Clos du Chateau
