1996 Armand Rousseau Chambertin Grand Cru
98+ Points Neal Martin, The Wine Advocate (November 2009)
Tasted blind at The Arches. This is an incredible Chambertin, perhaps one of the greatest wines overseen by Charles. Now at 13-years of age it has embellished that spellbinding bouquet, so luxuriant, almost spicy with pure red cherries, briary, something exotic…Turkish delight? Breathtaking definition and purity. The palate is full-bodied, sensuous in texture, silky smooth filigree tannins that belie the power and the backbone present. Seamless. Just so effortless and refined with amazing focus on the finish. Black plum, cassis and blueberry. Moreover, you realise that this Chambertin has barely started motoring, this is a warm up for what will ultimately follow. Stunning. Drink 2012-2030. Tasted June 2009.
97 Points Neal Martin, Vinous.com (March 2021)
Now at 23-years of age, the 1996 Chambertin Grand Cru shows a little bricking on the rim, appropriate with its age. The nose is as fragrant as I remember: wilted iris petals gently waft from the glass, cool and reserved. Indeed, I found this bottle initially aloof and standoffish, like many Côte de Nuits this vintage, before developing more fruit intensity, mainly black rather than red laced with loam and Earl Grey. The palate is just beautifully balanced. It is a stout and swarthy Chambertin so much so that you risk overlooking what for a 1996 is its filigree tannin structure. The fruit profile becomes redder towards the finish with a kiss of sour cherry and orange rind that all feel so precise and sophisticated. This multi-faceted and cerebral Chambertin is reaching its lofty plateau.
97 Points Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com (December 2016)
A Burgundy of tension and bracing energy, the 1996 Rousseau Chambertin is simply magnificent on this night. Time in the glass brings out the wine's stunning inner sweetness and perfume in what is an utterly glorious expression of Pinot Noir and Chambertin. I imagine the 1996 will still be compelling in 30 years' time. Today is transcendental and deeply beautiful.
98+ Points Neal Martin, The Wine Advocate (November 2009)
Tasted blind at The Arches. This is an incredible Chambertin, perhaps one of the greatest wines overseen by Charles. Now at 13-years of age it has embellished that spellbinding bouquet, so luxuriant, almost spicy with pure red cherries, briary, something exotic…Turkish delight? Breathtaking definition and purity. The palate is full-bodied, sensuous in texture, silky smooth filigree tannins that belie the power and the backbone present. Seamless. Just so effortless and refined with amazing focus on the finish. Black plum, cassis and blueberry. Moreover, you realise that this Chambertin has barely started motoring, this is a warm up for what will ultimately follow. Stunning. Drink 2012-2030. Tasted June 2009.
97 Points Neal Martin, Vinous.com (March 2021)
Now at 23-years of age, the 1996 Chambertin Grand Cru shows a little bricking on the rim, appropriate with its age. The nose is as fragrant as I remember: wilted iris petals gently waft from the glass, cool and reserved. Indeed, I found this bottle initially aloof and standoffish, like many Côte de Nuits this vintage, before developing more fruit intensity, mainly black rather than red laced with loam and Earl Grey. The palate is just beautifully balanced. It is a stout and swarthy Chambertin so much so that you risk overlooking what for a 1996 is its filigree tannin structure. The fruit profile becomes redder towards the finish with a kiss of sour cherry and orange rind that all feel so precise and sophisticated. This multi-faceted and cerebral Chambertin is reaching its lofty plateau.
97 Points Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com (December 2016)
A Burgundy of tension and bracing energy, the 1996 Rousseau Chambertin is simply magnificent on this night. Time in the glass brings out the wine's stunning inner sweetness and perfume in what is an utterly glorious expression of Pinot Noir and Chambertin. I imagine the 1996 will still be compelling in 30 years' time. Today is transcendental and deeply beautiful.
98+ Points Neal Martin, The Wine Advocate (November 2009)
Tasted blind at The Arches. This is an incredible Chambertin, perhaps one of the greatest wines overseen by Charles. Now at 13-years of age it has embellished that spellbinding bouquet, so luxuriant, almost spicy with pure red cherries, briary, something exotic…Turkish delight? Breathtaking definition and purity. The palate is full-bodied, sensuous in texture, silky smooth filigree tannins that belie the power and the backbone present. Seamless. Just so effortless and refined with amazing focus on the finish. Black plum, cassis and blueberry. Moreover, you realise that this Chambertin has barely started motoring, this is a warm up for what will ultimately follow. Stunning. Drink 2012-2030. Tasted June 2009.
97 Points Neal Martin, Vinous.com (March 2021)
Now at 23-years of age, the 1996 Chambertin Grand Cru shows a little bricking on the rim, appropriate with its age. The nose is as fragrant as I remember: wilted iris petals gently waft from the glass, cool and reserved. Indeed, I found this bottle initially aloof and standoffish, like many Côte de Nuits this vintage, before developing more fruit intensity, mainly black rather than red laced with loam and Earl Grey. The palate is just beautifully balanced. It is a stout and swarthy Chambertin so much so that you risk overlooking what for a 1996 is its filigree tannin structure. The fruit profile becomes redder towards the finish with a kiss of sour cherry and orange rind that all feel so precise and sophisticated. This multi-faceted and cerebral Chambertin is reaching its lofty plateau.
97 Points Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com (December 2016)
A Burgundy of tension and bracing energy, the 1996 Rousseau Chambertin is simply magnificent on this night. Time in the glass brings out the wine's stunning inner sweetness and perfume in what is an utterly glorious expression of Pinot Noir and Chambertin. I imagine the 1996 will still be compelling in 30 years' time. Today is transcendental and deeply beautiful.
DETAILS
PRODUCER - Armand Rousseau
VINTAGE - 1996
VARIETAL - Pinot Noir
COUNTRY - France
REGION - Chambertin, Burgundy
BOTTLE SIZE - 750ml
