Armand Rousseau
Usually mentioned in the same breadth as Domaine de la Romanée-Conti and Domaine Leroy, Armand Rousseau has established itself as a legendary producer owning mostly Grand Cru vineyards in Gevrey Chambertin.
Born in 1884 to a family deeply entrenched in the wine trade, Armand Rousseau inherited several plots and the current domaine building, one of the oldest in Gevrey-Chambertin, as part of his wedding in 1909. After acquiring more plots in Charmes-Chambertin, Clos de la Roche and Chambertin in the late 1910s and 1920s, the domaine became one of the first in Burgundy to bottle his own wine. Rousseau’s wines were also amongst the first to hit the shores of the United States after the Prohibition, and his focus on exporting his wine is shared by his son Charles, who took over the reins in 1959 after Armand was unfortunately killed in a car accident. Today, the domaine is run by Charles’s son, Eric, who is also the winemaker.
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Wine Spectator (96)
Though compact now, this is full of sweet black cherry, black currant, licorice and mineral aromas and flavors. There's a harmonious feeling overall, with dense, well-integrated tannins and bright acidity, followed by a fine, lingering aftertaste. Best from 2014 through 2032. 27 cases imported. -BSInc. VAT£21,410.44 -
Burghound (96)
It's as though the Clos de Bèze and Chambertin have switched places in 2006 as here the nose is positively kaleidoscopic with a huge range of aromas and spice elements along with a hint of menthol. There is excellent freshness and vibrancy to the pure, round, rich and focused full-bodied flavors that carry obvious muscle and minerality on the deep, powerful and hugely long finish. This is an extremely impressive effort and one of the finest wines of the vintage. Not surprisingly, this hasn't changed a great deal since my last review except that the length is now even more phenomenal and the supporting tannins are a bit more apparent. While it's true that the balance is so good that that this could be enjoyed now, it would be unfortunate to leave so much upside potential unrealized and thus I would advise waiting for at least 5 more years first though it should easily be capable of rewarding 8 to 10. Tasted several times since my original review with consistent notes in the sense that they have become progressively more positive.Inc. VAT£3,790.40 -
Wine Spectator (96)
Though compact now, this is full of sweet black cherry, black currant, licorice and mineral aromas and flavors. There's a harmonious feeling overall, with dense, well-integrated tannins and bright acidity, followed by a fine, lingering aftertaste. Best from 2014 through 2032. 27 cases imported. -BSInc. VAT£2,698.40 -
Wine Spectator (95)
Packed with sweet fruit, this silky red exudes cherry, strawberry, licorice, sandalwood and mineral aromas and flavors. Despite its intensity, this remains lithe and refined, with excellent harmony and resonance on the long finish. Best from 2012 through 2024. 50 cases imported. -BSInc. VAT£1,251.20 -
Wine Advocate (87)
The Rousseau 2006 Gevrey-Chambertin displays a fascinating and unusual aromatic melange of wood smoke, cola, cherry, and cocoa powder. While relatively light in color and body, it is brashly smoky and bitter sweet in finish, as well as downright refreshing. Eric Rousseau's own litany of its virtues – not an unfamiliar one among growers this vintage, or among Rousseau's comments on his other 2006s – is equilibrium, vivacity, and finesse. I would recommend placing it at table based on its particular virtues, and doing so within the next 3-4 years ,although, naturally, this and other Rousseau 2006s might make a fool of me with its stamina.Inc. VAT£6,153.67
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Wine Spectator (96)
Though compact now, this is full of sweet black cherry, black currant, licorice and mineral aromas and flavors. There's a harmonious feeling overall, with dense, well-integrated tannins and bright acidity, followed by a fine, lingering aftertaste. Best from 2014 through 2032. 27 cases imported. -BSIn Bond£17,826.00 -
Burghound (96)
It's as though the Clos de Bèze and Chambertin have switched places in 2006 as here the nose is positively kaleidoscopic with a huge range of aromas and spice elements along with a hint of menthol. There is excellent freshness and vibrancy to the pure, round, rich and focused full-bodied flavors that carry obvious muscle and minerality on the deep, powerful and hugely long finish. This is an extremely impressive effort and one of the finest wines of the vintage. Not surprisingly, this hasn't changed a great deal since my last review except that the length is now even more phenomenal and the supporting tannins are a bit more apparent. While it's true that the balance is so good that that this could be enjoyed now, it would be unfortunate to leave so much upside potential unrealized and thus I would advise waiting for at least 5 more years first though it should easily be capable of rewarding 8 to 10. Tasted several times since my original review with consistent notes in the sense that they have become progressively more positive.In Bond£3,156.00 -
Wine Spectator (96)
Though compact now, this is full of sweet black cherry, black currant, licorice and mineral aromas and flavors. There's a harmonious feeling overall, with dense, well-integrated tannins and bright acidity, followed by a fine, lingering aftertaste. Best from 2014 through 2032. 27 cases imported. -BSIn Bond£2,246.00 -
Wine Spectator (95)
Packed with sweet fruit, this silky red exudes cherry, strawberry, licorice, sandalwood and mineral aromas and flavors. Despite its intensity, this remains lithe and refined, with excellent harmony and resonance on the long finish. Best from 2012 through 2024. 50 cases imported. -BSIn Bond£1,040.00 -
Wine Advocate (87)
The Rousseau 2006 Gevrey-Chambertin displays a fascinating and unusual aromatic melange of wood smoke, cola, cherry, and cocoa powder. While relatively light in color and body, it is brashly smoky and bitter sweet in finish, as well as downright refreshing. Eric Rousseau's own litany of its virtues – not an unfamiliar one among growers this vintage, or among Rousseau's comments on his other 2006s – is equilibrium, vivacity, and finesse. I would recommend placing it at table based on its particular virtues, and doing so within the next 3-4 years ,although, naturally, this and other Rousseau 2006s might make a fool of me with its stamina.In Bond£5,096.00