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Tasting Notes
Showing notably more evolution in colour than the three earlier vintages, with a light amber edge. There is also some evolution on the nose which rapidly blows off. Have patience, and there soon emerges an utterly gorgeous quality of fruit, still some new oak, a bit of Jerusalem artichoke here. A glorious nose begins to bloom, this 1996 Chambertin has really developed well, the acidity is certainly present but is now well integrated. Do not be put off by the initial paradox of seeming evolution with youthful acidity: all comes into balance and this is a wine which would be better left in the back of the cellar for another five years.
Critic Scores
Average Score
Allen Meadows, Burghound
Pierre Rovani, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
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.
One of the greatest wines of the vintage with one of the most complex and stunning panoply of still youthful pinot fruit aromas I have ever experienced. Still almost completely primary and pristine, with the same vinous purity yet even more elegance and intensity plus notes of ripe earth, bitter chocolate hints and anise. Superbly intense, full, sharply focused, big, broad and deep flavors that are not especially dense but lead to a finish that simply goes on and on. Classy juice and this rivals the '93 and the '91 for wines for the decade honors chez Rousseau. Simply terrific. Tasted multiple times with consistent notes.
Good full red. Sappy, highly complex aromas of earth, smoke and minerals, with a deep core of spice. Fat, seamless and sweet, with fresh red fruit flavors and perfectly integrated acidity. But still just showing the tip of the iceberg. Fruit a bit dominated by the oak today. Finishes with lovely subtle persistence and firm tannins. This shut down in the glass, while the Clos de Beze opened like a peacock's tail.
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.