2016 Charmes Chambertin
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Tasting notes
The 2016 Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru is more backward on the nose compared to the 2017, darker and blacker fruit by direct comparison, traces of autumn leaves on a muddy ground (to quote The White Stripes), fragrant and alluring. The palate has a ripe and almost opulent entry that has a touch more rondeur than the 2017 as you would expect. There is a core of sweet candied fruit here, hints of bouquet garni and bay leaf towards the structured and almost stocky finish. Again, like the 2017, it seems to have gained weight since I last tasted it and it deserves a higher score.
Critic scores
Average Score
Neal Martin
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
The 2016 Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru is another of the more youthfully expressive wines in the range, offering up aromas of ripe cherries, red plums, woodsmoke, dark chocolate and sweet forest floor. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, fleshy and expressive, with fine tannins, tangy acids and a charming core of fruit.
The 2016 Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru has a sultry, earthy bouquet with touches of oyster shell coming through with aeration. It never quite kicks into fifth gear though. The palate is medium-bodied with supple red berry fruit laced with orange rind and brown spices. It gains more complexity and nuance towards the finish with an attractive saline aftertaste. Not the most memorable Charmes-Chambertin that I have encountered, but there is no denying that it is very well crafted. Tasted blind at the 2016 Burgfest tasting.
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.