Very well balanced natural chillable red. Higher alcohol, not very bitter but not overly sweet — 22 days ago
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. — a month ago
Brouilly, to me, is the fruitiest of the crus, and this is fruit in spades. So tangy and fruity. A bit of barnyard funk on the nose adds complexity. Very zingy and fruity in the mouth. Downright tangy!
UPDATE: After a couple hours of air, this is getting funkier and funkier. Clearly a low- or no-sulfite wine. I Vacuvin-ed a bit to see whether it will even be drinkable on night 2. My guess is it won’t be. (Further update: it was still good but it became clear to me that the funkiness was I was getting on night one was actually brett, which was somehow easier for me to identify the next night.) — 13 days ago
From a magnum, shortly before my son’s wedding. Wonderful, but I felt that it would be even better in 5-6 years. — a month ago
Jeff Aibel
Great birthday wine with my lovely wife! — 3 days ago