2013 Chambertin Clos de Beze
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Tasting notes
A fine clear crimson colour. The bouquet is taking time to emerge. Is there perhaps a hint of brett in this bottle – it is something I have very rarely found chez Rousseau. There is something that softens and sweetens the palate, just taking the edge off the quintessential fruit quality of this wine.
Critic scores
Average Score
Neal Martin, Wine Advocate
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Tasted blind at the Burgfest tasting in Beaune, the 2013 Chambertin Clos de Bèze Grand Cru was showing some reduction on the nose that was difficult to shake off, though there appears to be sufficient fruit underneath. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, a more conservative Clos de Bèze in some ways, but it demonstrates impressive precision as it fans out with gusto towards the finish. Give this 5-6 years in bottle to address the reduction issue and then I believe this will turn into an exemplary Grand Cru.
Good dark red. More closed today than the Clos Saint-Jacques, showing a stronger oak presence to its reticent aromas of dark raspberry, strawberry and blood orange. Then hugely rich, opulent and pliant on the palate if still youthfully reserved. Completely different in shape from the Clos Saint-Jacques, conveying a strong impression of solidity and saline minerality. Finishes with big but ripe, thoroughly integrated tannins. This may not have quite the fruit intensity or verve of the 2014 but it still leaves the salivary glands humming.
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.