1978 Chambertin
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Tasting notes
The 1978 Chambertin Grand Cru comes from an era that I would not describe as a "golden" one for the renowned estate. Charles Rousseau himself was purportedly never really satisfied with the wines of the time. This has a comely bouquet, however, with rose petal and roasted chestnut infusing the light red fruit. The palate has a citrus-fresh opening, touches of sour cherry and a ferrous theme. There's decent depth, but like the previous bottle, it just dries out towards the finish. Drink in the near(ish) future. Tasted at the 1978 Bouilland horizontal.
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Neal Martin
Neal Martin
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The 1978 Chambertin Grand Cru has a quixotic bouquet, beautifully defined, fully matured with degraded red fruit, chestnut, cracked black pepper and a very light orange rind note. The palate is tart on the entry with just the right amount of bitterness. Not a deep or powerful Chambertin, expressive, just a little dryness towards the finish. Whilst the 1978 is shaded by subsequent vintages, its an exquisite mature Burgundy that's just fraying at its seams. Tasted at the Rousseau Chambertin vertical at La Vienne.
About the producer

Based in Gevrey-Chambertin, Domaine Armand Rousseau is one of Burgundy’s most famous estates. Revered for making unearthly expressions of Pinot Noir, the estate’s wines are some of the most collectable in the world.