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 Allen Meadows
Here the nose blends upper and lower register aromas that include cranberry, raspberry, cassis, rose petal and smoked jerky that merges into very pure and textured flavors that also have a certain delicate quality to them, yet the finish is robust, sauvage and displays very good phenolic maturity to the structural elements. This should age well as it’s balanced yet will be approachable young.
93 Points Robert Parker Jr.
Tasted at the Domaine. A broody nose at first but wakes up with a few swirls of the glass: dried leaves, wild hedgerow, a hint of tobacco, wild berried fruits and then rosehip tea. The palate has very fine tannins, feminine, focused with good acidity and a very elegant finish. This Mazis is a little fruitier than usual. Very pure and natural, this is an excellent wine for the vintage. Drink now-2025
94 Points Wine Spectator
Shy in aroma, yet expressive on the palate, revealing cherry, licorice, chocolate and mineral notes. This possesses energy and a vibrant structure, with a natural sweetness offsetting its fine-grained tannins. Subtle and sophisticated, with a lingering aftertaste. Best from 2013 through 2028