Vinous (91-93)

The 2018 Meursault-Blagny 1er Cru comes from a single plot of around half a hectare in the lieu-dit of La Pièce Sous La Bois. It conveys superb terroir expression, almost Puligny-like in its evocation of wet, cold limestone, wet pavement after a sudden shower and light lemon peel elements. The palate is taut and crisp on the entry, a fine bead of acidity slicing through the intense citrus and orange peel notes, which segue into a quite a spicy ginger-tinged finish. I just want more on the aftertaste, which disappears quicker than I would like.

Vinous (92-94)

The 2018 Meursault Charmes 1er Cru conveys more discipline on the nose compared to the Genevrières, offering walnut and light nutmeg notes, a hint of lanolin in the background and later a discreet petrolly note. The palate possesses the taut line of acidity necessary to counterbalance the intensity and richness of this Charmes. It feels long and generous toward the finish, where hints of stem ginger and grilled almonds linger on the aftertaste. This should offer 12–15 years of drinking pleasure, possibly more.

Immerse yourself in the unparalleled experience offered by the exquisite Antonin Rodet Richebourg Grand Cru 1957. This sensational Burgundy red, hailing from the world-renowned region of Richebourg in France, showcases the remarkable excellence and time-honoured traditions that Antonin Rodet has charmed the world with since 1875. This distinguished vintage owes its rich, complex flavours to the unique climatic conditions of 1957, skilfully captured by the year’s exceptional Pinot Noir harvest.

Beneath its vibrant ruby hue, you’ll encounter an exceptional balance of robust structure and delicate silkiness. Discerning palates will delight in the Grand Cru's characteristic notes of red and black fruits, seasoned with intoxicating nuances of spices and truffles. Each bottle of Antonin Rodet Richebourg Grand Cru 1957 embodies the seamless fusion of tradition and innovation that makes Antonin Rodet a master of viticulture. Indulge in the sublime finesse and time-tested splendour of this unparalleled Grand Cru.

Vinous (95-97)

The 2020 Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru, matured in 15% new oak, showed just a tiny morsel of reduction on the nose, that the concentration here was still tangible. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy red fruit, fine acidity, taut and fresh and very precise. This has real class and verve, though it will benefit from several years in bottle.

Vinous (93-95)

The 2018 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru is matured with 30% whole bunch and 20% new oak. The superb bouquet presents a mélange of red and black fruit, sous-bois and blood orange aromas that blossom from the glass. The medium-bodied palate delivers supple tannins and finely judged acidity. Quite compact for a Clos de la Roche, with noticeable backbone on the finish. It will require several years in bottle but it should be worth the wait.

Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (93-97)

A relatively deep purple. The nose just shows a little bit of cooked fruit. More peonies perhaps and an interesting sombre dark fruit overall. I think this may be 14+ too (but it is not apparently). It comes over fresher on the palate and certainly with a most astonishing intensity. If the slight lack of freshness is a sample issue then this could be mind-blowing and a certain five stars. Fresh stems behind. Exceptionally long finish.

Vinous (92-94)

The 2019 Gevrey-Chambertin Aux Combottes 1er Cru really captures the complexity and intellectual capacity of this propitious Premier Cru with beautifully defined, mineral-driven black fruit, touches of freshly rolled tobacco developing with time. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, sweet and candied with blueberry and cassis notes towards the sensual finish. It is a powerful Aux Combottes that just needs to evolve a touch more restraint and Pinoté, though that will develop with cellaring.

Vinous (91-93)

The 2020 Morey-Saint-Denis Aux Chesaux 1er Cru is a little more open on the nose that Arlaud’s other Premier Crus, a mixture of black and red fruit, pressed violets, quite powerful in style. The palate is medium-bodied with finer tannins than the nose suggests, well balanced but linear and correct. It’s the kind of straightlaced Morey that will show better on the dinner table rather than on its own.

Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (90-92)

Very dense purple with only slightly lighter rim. Gorgeously ripe fruit in a ripe and heady fashion. Black fruit on the palate though not cooked, a little sterner at the finish, with a good clean follow through. Tasted: December 2021

Decanter (95)

This is a three-way assemblage: three grape varieties – and equal percentage of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay with 20% of Pinot Meunier – and a blend of 3 vintages, 2009, 2010 and 2012. The nose is full of flavours and rich with notes of white flowers and crème patissière. However, the palate is crisp, fresh and delicate with a lovely creamy texture. It is elegant, refined and very stylish (unlike the bottle!). It’s a pleasant combination of power and concentration blended with finesse and elegance. While the dosage is 9g/l, it feels much drier, more like a 5g/l and this probably due to the spinal cord of acidity.

Wine Spectator (92)

Well-spiced and finely knit, this harmonious rosé is framed by firm acidity wrapped in a creamy mousse and flavors of dried apricot, wild strawberry and almond skin. Smoke, floral and orange peel notes linger on the finish.

Wine Spectator (92)

Well-spiced and finely knit, this harmonious rosé is framed by firm acidity wrapped in a creamy mousse and flavors of dried apricot, wild strawberry and almond skin. Smoke, floral and orange peel notes linger on the finish.

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The process is characterised by intricate traditional handlings from manual riddling to disgorgement, lending to an opulent taste profile. Each cuvée in this luxurious collection tells a different story, all skilfully disgorged à la volée for maximum finesse. The Armand de Brignac NV Assortment Case NV offers a truly enchanting journey through the finest Champagne expressions, making it the perfect choice for discerning connoisseurs in pursuit of incomparable quality and unrepeatable sensorial experiences.

Wine Advocate (93)

The 1988 Chambertin Grand Cru from Rousseau offers up a complex and pristine bouquet of red and black berries, grilled meat, wood smoke and cedary wood. On the palate, the wine is medium-full, with a firm but fine chassis of tannin and taut but integrated signature 1988 acidity—structural elements framing a Chambertin of great depth and intensity. This is not as ample or authoritative as the very greatest vintages, but in terms of balance, complexity and concentration, it doesn't miss a beat.

Wine Advocate (93)

The 1988 Chambertin Grand Cru from Rousseau offers up a complex and pristine bouquet of red and black berries, grilled meat, wood smoke and cedary wood. On the palate, the wine is medium-full, with a firm but fine chassis of tannin and taut but integrated signature 1988 acidity—structural elements framing a Chambertin of great depth and intensity. This is not as ample or authoritative as the very greatest vintages, but in terms of balance, complexity and concentration, it doesn't miss a beat.

Vinous (95)

Rousseau's 1995 Chambertin is bright, precise and wonderfully nuanced. There is a sense of translucent brilliance to the 1995 that is simply compelling. Sweet red berry fruit and floral notes show striking energy throughout. What a lovely Burgundy this is.

Vinous (97)

A Burgundy of tension and bracing energy, the 1996 Rousseau Chambertin is simply magnificent on this night. Time in the glass brings out the wine's stunning inner sweetness and perfume in what is an utterly glorious expression of Pinot Noir and Chambertin. I imagine the 1996 will still be compelling in 30 years' time. Today is transcendental and deeply beautiful.

Vinous (93)

The 1998 Chambertin is one of the real surprises in this tasting. From a vintage that never got much of a look, Rousseau's Chambertin is a pure and total delight. It is not the most complex wine in the vertical, nor is it the most pedigreed, but it is absolutely exquisite, as all of its elements are in perfect balance. The plum, sweet tobacco, menthol and red cherry flavors, along with the wine's soft, open-knit personality, make the 1998 impossible to resist today. Readers looking for a vintage of the Rousseau Chambertin that is peaking will find much to admire in the 1998.

Vinous (98)

Yet another stunner, the 1999 Chambertin halts all conversation around the table. Muscular, dense and explosive, the 1999 is a vertical, imposing Burgundy that is also clearly built for the long haul. Even with all of its full-throttle, unrestrained power, the 1999 possesses captivating inner sweetness that soars out of the glass with remarkable purity. What a wine!

Vinous (95)

The 2000 Chambertin Grand Cru is youthful in appearance with just very slight bricking. The bouquet is well-defined with quite precocious red fruit laced with orange blossom and crushed stone, yet it does not possess the complexity of the preceding vintage. The palate is medium-bodied with svelte tannins, perfectly judged acidity, velvety, so much so that this is the one vintage that is quite Vosne-like in style. Coheres beautifully on the finish. No, not a top-ranking Chambertin from Rousseau, but so delicious. Tasted at the Rousseau Chambertin vertical at La Vienne.

Vinous (98)

This is the finest bottle of Rousseau's 2001 Chambertin I have ever had. With each taste, the 2001nhas something new to say. At times, it is the aromatics that stand out. In other moments, the wine's structure, energy and overall complexity are totally alluring. Dark and brooding, with compelling inner sweetness, the 2001 simply can't be denied. It is utterly profound. It is as simple as that.

Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (92-95)

Medium red. Precise, scented nose combines red cherry, minerals, stones, iron and rose petal. Penetrating, minerally and precise, with vibrant flavors of red cherry and raspberry. Conveys a real small-berry depth and intensity of flavor and offers great energy and verve. Not at all a fat style of 2003-or of Chambertin. Especially strong on the back half, finishing with terrific thrust and length.

Burghound (93)

The difference between Chambertin and Clos de Bèze is sharply etched in as this is cooler, bigger, richer and more powerful though less elegant and with a more limited range of spices specifically and aromatic breadth in general. The medium full flavors are reserved, tight, precise and very pure with extraordinarily good punch and precision, all wrapped in a firm, dusty and linear finish. I particularly like the mouth coating quality of the flavors as there is ample dry extract here, which serves to perfectly buffer the firmly tannic spine. Outstanding stuff and while not a truly great Rousseau Chambertin, it's knocking on the door.

Wine Advocate (96-98)

Rousseau’s 2005 Chambertin – assembled from four parcels, three of them in relatively cool, well-ventilated portions of this cru – offers high-toned aromas of plum distillate, tea and marzipan, but on the palate, chalk, raw beef, dried plum, bitter-sweet black fruits and roasted fennel flavors combine for a low-registered richness. This is the creamiest, plushest, most voluminous, and perhaps in the final analysis deepest wine of this year’s Rousseau collection, with a savory meatiness, chalky minerality and a well of fruit impossible to plumb at such an early stage in what will certainly be three or more decades of testimony to the true greatness of this famous site.

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.

Vinous (96)

Next came the 2007 Chambertin Grand Cru from Domaine Armand Rousseau. Unlike the Mugnier, the bouquet needs no time to warm up, exploding with enticing scents of raspberry, mulberry, touches of camphor and undergrowth, and, after 30 minutes, hints of Japanese green tea and clove. Exquisite in definition, this remained captivating throughout the evening. The palate is beautifully balanced with a fine bead of acidity, cohesive and, for the 2007 vintage, quite robust and powerful. The velvety texture toward the finish highlights the lack of concentration in the Musigny. An utterly sublime Chambertin that is drinking perfectly now, the 2007 possesses the substance to mature another 20 years in bottle.

Vinous (98+)

Medium red, a bit less saturated than the Clos de Beze. Pungent aromas of wild red berries, smoke, earth, iron and wild herbs. Almost shockingly silky in the mouth, but with crushed-stone minerality lending force to the blackberry, licorice and earth flavors. Incredibly sappy but edge-free wine with an explosive, endless finish that titillates the salivary glands. Longer than the Clos de Beze but that wine is a bit sweeter today, with darker, more exotic flavors. This Chambertin is not yet showing its flesh but if it puts on weight with extended bottle aging, which I expect it to do, it may eventually merit a perfect score. A monument of the vintage.