Farr Vintners Logo

Chambertin Clos de Bèze, Domaine Armand Rousseau 1996

Tasting Notes

Initially, mild reduction knocks down the expressiveness of the otherwise pure, pretty and exquisitely complex aromas of secondary dark fruit, spices and earth, indeed this is positively kaleidoscopic in breadth. The still moderately tannic, sappy, intense and equally complex flavors deliver a refined mouth feel on the notably vibrant, explosive and gorgeously long finish that displays just a hint of dryness. This is a fine effort in the context of the vintage where the only shortcoming is the absence of outstanding density though in fairness to the domaine, this is true of most ‘96s. While this could easily be enjoyed now with 30 minutes or so of aeration, personally I will continue to hold my bottles for a few more years as the hint of dryness does not appear to be a major concern, at least not at this point. Tasted many times over the years with largely consistent notes. Drink 2021+

93
Allen Meadows, Burghound.com, October 2015

The 1996 Chambertin Clos de Beze, here tasted blind, has wonderful delineation on the nose that displays a slightly ferrous scent that becomes accentuated with time. Later, there are suggestions of oxtail and briary. The palate is medium-bodied and is at full maturity, There is an autumnal haze around this Clos de Beze, with a leathery finish that demonstrates good persistency, if not nearly the class of the Chambertin '96. I would drink this over the next decade. Drink 2014-2025

93
Neal Martin, Wine Advocate (215), October 2014
92/94
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (118), August 1998

Incredibly vinous, pure, pretty and exquisite aromas of dark fruit, spices, indeed positively kaleidoscopic in breadth followed by tannic, sappy, intense, remarkably complex flavors whose only deficit is a bit of density. Fresh, long and beautiful and this should age for a very long time as the balance here is first rate.

92
Allen Meadows, Burghound.com (9), January 2003
Please note that these tasting notes/scores are not intended to be exhaustive and in some cases they may not be the most recently published figures. However, we always do our best to add latest scores and reviews when these come to our attention. We advise customers who wish to purchase wines based simply on critical reviews to carry out further research into the latest reports.