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 2020 Gevrey-Chambertin Les Cazetiers 1er Cru has a much more focused and intense bouquet compared to the Lavaux: dark berries, sous-bois and touches of incense that all gain momentum with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins matched by a keen thread of acidity, a touch of white pepper towards the finish that imparts greater length. This is very promising.
92-94 Points Robert Parker Wine Advocate
Aromas of rich berry fruit, plums and cherries mingling with warm spices, licorice, black truffle and loamy soil in an inviting bouquet introduce the 2020 Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Les Cazetiers, a medium to full-bodied, ample and gourmand wine that’s sensual and enveloping, with lively acids, melting tannins and a long, perfumed finish.
93-96 Points Jasper Morris
Excellent weight of purple, there is more energy to the fruit, a superb freshness, little points of alpine fruit, greater volume and intensity than Lavaux, floral notes, complex and really fine. The young vines are now included which Cyrielle thinks helps bring out more minerality.