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.
92-94 Points Vinous
The 2019 Gevrey-Chambertin Les Cazetiers 1er Cru is darker in color than the Lavaux Saint-Jacques. The bouquet is more upfront and bold, touches of blueberry joining shimmering red fruit that is very well defined and becomes increasingly floral. The palate is medium-bodied with a silky entry. This is very cohesive, offering lithe tannins and a judicious sprinkling of brown spices toward the persistent finish. Give it three or four years in bottle.
92-94 Points Robert Parker Wine Advocate
Wafting from the glass with scents of sweet berry fruit, smoked meats, rich soil tones, peonies and mandarin orange, Rousseau’s 2019 Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Les Cazetiers is medium to full-bodied, fleshy and enveloping, with fine depth at the core, lively acids and velvety structuring tannins. This is shaping up nicely.