Château La Roche Beaulieu

Domaine Armand Rousseau

Clos de la Roche Grand Cru Pinot Noir 1996

1996 Domaine Armand Rousseau Clos de la Roche Grand Cru

Clos de la Roche, situated in Morey-Saint-Denis, is the most renowned and the largest Grand Cru vineyard of the village. Its terroir is consequently exceptional, yielding wines with striking acidity, remarkable concentration, and a structure that is powerful yet displays extraordinarily refined tannins. It is often considered one of Burgundy's most compelling wines, masterfully combining power with elegance.

The style neither mirrors the robust, muscular, and overtly powerful character typical of its northern neighbour, Gevrey-Chambertin, nor does it precisely replicate the extreme perfume, elegance, and delicacy that define its southern neighbour, Chambolle-Musigny. Instead, Clos de la Roche is the quintessential synthesis of strength and finesse—boasting a solid backbone alongside intricate depth of aroma and texture. Thanks to its pronounced acidity, one should not open a bottle without allowing for at least 15 years of ageing.

Upon opening, after 30 minutes the nose offered aromas of ripe black cherry, wild strawberry, sour plum, rose, and violet. After an hour, further notes of truffle, forest floor, leather, and spice developed. However, the minerality I expected remained elusive.

The bottle's condition was unfortunately not optimal. It lacked the sustained aromatic evolution and explosive bouquet I had anticipated. This fatigue and muted character were likely a result of its shipment from the United States.
— 9 months ago

Beaulieu Vineyard

Private Reserve Georges de Latour Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon

Absolute treat to have a 1977 next to a 2009. 77 was smooth with little fruit but paired beautifully with the filet. '09 was still fruit forward and jammed some tannins -- could sit another 5-10 years. — 8 years ago

La Roche Buissiere

Petit Jo Grenache

More fleshy and plush than I expected. Someone said beet juice, which I think is spot on. — 9 years ago

David liked this

Olivier Merlin

Macon La Roche Vineuse Chardonnay 2014

Super Delishous ... smooth and no flavors of oak (which we typically do not enjoy). Imported by the Square Root LLC company in Fitchburg, WI. A rare find! — 9 years ago

Domaine Hubert Lignier

Clos de la Roche Grand Cru Pinot Noir

Timothy Eustis
9.0

This 1998 from magnum aged gracefully but reflects the hardness of the vintage. Still, it was enjoyable. — 5 years ago

Ira, Severn and 3 others liked this

Beaulieu Vineyard

Coastal Estates California Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

Great wine for a good cause.. Nice blackberry after notes. — 6 years ago

Bill liked this

Domaine Pierre Amiot et Fils

Clos de la Roche Grand Cru Pinot Noir 2014

Very soft nose and tight on the initial palate. Raw cherries and a touch of leather. Great balance. Opened up to to a red fruit compote with mushrooms?? Great lunch wine! — 8 years ago

Frank
with Frank
Kimberly, Shawn and 5 others liked this

Clos Roche Blanche

No. 2 Touraine Sauvignon 2014

22 July 2017. Rouge Tomate, New York, NY. — 9 years ago

Anthony liked this

Domaine Earl-Damien Laureau

La Petite Roche Savennières Chenin Blanc

I found this white complicated. I liked it a lot. — 9 years ago

Beaulieu Vineyard

Coastal Estates California Pinot Noir 2018

Very drinkable with a mild flavor. Pairs very well with salad since it is not overpowering — 6 years ago

Belle Roche

Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

Nice and fruity. Medium body with a short finish. Get good notes of fruit and some pepper on the nose — 6 years ago

Maison Roche de Bellene

Vieilles Vignes Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2017

Yummy, smooth, goes with a variety of foods. Love this! — 7 years ago

JC Garnier

La Roche Bezígon Loire Valley Chenin Blanc 2015

19 April 2018. Frenchette, New York, NY. — 8 years ago

Domaine Arlaud

Clos de la Roche Grand Cru Pinot Noir 2004

After about an hour decant this was drinking really well. Loved the minerals and the complexity of fruits and earth. — 9 years ago

Beaulieu Vineyard

Reserve Carneros Pinot Noir 1989

Wonderful notes of bright cherries and sublime oak notes, muted flowers and a sinewed leathery note. Wow at 12.3%. Completely American but fully French! — 9 years ago

Rob, Eric and 14 others liked this