Domaine Armand Rousseau is one of the most famous and best domaines in Burgundy. Based in Gevrey-Chambertin, the estate is formed of just over 15 hectares, over half of which is Grand Cru.
This is one of Burgundy’s greatest domaines – in terms of history, vineyard holdings and quality of wine. The original Armand Rousseau was at the forefront of the first wave of domaine bottling in the 1930s. He was succeeded by his son Charles in 1959, shortly after they had bought a significant slice of the Clos St Jacques vineyard. Today Eric, grandson of Armand, is in charge of the vines and cellar, with the help of his daughter Cyrielle.
The domaine produces pale, finely structured wines of great elegance and stamina. The simple principle of old (but not ancient) vines and sensible yields dictates the Rousseau style. Sometimes the wines can appear light in their youth, but they nearly always take on weight as they age.
92 Points Vinous
Deep red. Dark raspberry, licorice, mint and underbrush on the nose; more soil-driven and less floral than the Lavaux Saint-Jacques. Conveys serious density and sharp definition but comes across as a bit youthfully imploded today. Intense, juicy black raspberry fruit is complicated by a saline quality. Finishes with firm but suave tannins and saliva-inducing lift.
95 Points Wine Spectator
ragrant aromas of rose, cherry, sandalwood and sweet baking spice announce this polished, elegant red, whose intense flavors build nicely to the long finish, with a mineral element coming in on the aftertaste. A touch heavy on grip and oak presence now, but this shows terrific potential. Best from 2021 through 2040.