1976 Charmes Chambertin

Last Tasted 8/92 Made during a period when Rousseau had a bacterial infection in his cellars, it is difficult to gauge whether this wine was negatively affected by that, or if it is merely disappointing. The light ruby/orange color is followed by a nearly sterile nose that, with coaxing, offers scents of old oak, stale mushrooms, and earth. The tannins and alcohol are the most noticeable features in the mouth, but there are hints of glycerin and fruit in the finish. This is a wine that is becoming more attenuated and nasty as it ages.