Trade deals 13/09/2024
DRC Romanee St Vivant, Richebourg Selection, Domaine Armand Rousseau Selection
1 case - 6/75cl Romanee St Vivant Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 1995 @ £17,995 per 6 IB & OWC now – bought EP C&B stock stored Octavian – photos available – excellent levels and labels
Light but not totally bricking. There is a hint of stems on the otherwise attractively spicy and perfumed aromas of secondary red berry fruit nuances and sandalwood hints. The medium-bodied flavours possess plenty of vibrancy and solid mid-palate concentration while being supported by largely if not completely, resolved tannins on the lingering finish. For my taste, this is drinking about as well as it's going to, yet as I suggest, my sense is that this should hold at this mature level for many years to come. In sum, this is not a genuinely great DRC RSV but I quite like it. Tasted multiple times with mostly consistent notes that have varied between 92 and 93 points.
93 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Apr 2017
1 case – 3/75cl Richebourg Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 1995 @ £10,895 per 3 IB & OWC6 now – photo attached – bought EP C&B stock stored Octavian – 3 bottles in original OWC6 – photos available
This, too, is reserved and restrained with an almost completely closed nose that reveals only glimpses of fresh black fruit even after extended aeration. The flavours, however, are rich and offer excellent detail. Dense yet ripe tannins and good extracts underpin them. I very much like the style of this, though it is clearly for the patient, and I suspect this will always have a rather strict personality. This has put on a bit of weight and a bit of richness since the big Richebourg tasting in '01 and appears to be better balanced than the prior bottle, but otherwise, it is quite similar.
93 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Nov 2003, 2010+
1 case – 3/75cl Richebourg Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 1997 @ £10,495 per 3 IB & OWC6 now – photo attached – bought EP C&B stock stored Octavian – 3 bottles in original OWC6 – sequential numbers
An expressive nose amply reflects the ripeness of the '97 vintage, with its floral and spicy blackberry fruit aromas that are both elegant and refined while transitioning into rich, sweet, and full-bodied flavours that possess good muscle and solid, if not sensational, depth and length. In sum, this is a quality '97 that should benefit from another five or so years in the cellar.
92 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Jan 2008, 2012+
1 case – 6/75cl Richebourg Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 1998 @ £22,995 per 6 IB & OWC (SIB) (Lowest Wine Searcher £25,995++) now – photo attached – bought EP C&B stock stored Octavian
Young Richebourg can often be quite tight and reserved, but this was quite expressive, with soy, hoison, and black pinot fruits and a multilayered flavour profile of good intensity, detail, and exceptional length. It is very concentrated with medium-sized tannins.
94 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Jan 2001
1 case – 6/75cl Richebourg Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 1999 @ £33,995 per 6 IB & OWC (SIB) (Lowest Wine Searcher £39,995++) now – photos attached – bought EP C&B stock stored Octavian
This hasn't budged much since it was bottled and remains almost opaque with a notably ripe and gorgeously multidimensional nose of black cherries, spice and earth. The broad-shouldered and impressively scaled medium-weight-plus flavours are bold and overtly muscular, while the finish retains a sense of robust power and stunning length. At age 17, the '99 Richebourg is clearly signalling that it's going to require 20 to 25 years to really be at its peak. At the same time, there is sufficient mid-palate sap to at least make it approachable sooner, perhaps in seven to 10 years. In my view, 1999 is one of the great vintages of this fabled wine. Many consistent notes save for one bottle that displayed an annoying amount of brett.
96 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Apr 2017, 2024+
I was blown away by the 1999 Richebourg, an extraordinary, dense, ruby/purple-coloured offering. It boasts a magnificent perfume of framboise, blackberries, and currants, as well as a sweet, buttery, woody component underlying black and red fruit flavours kissed by toasty oak. In the mouth, gamy, fleshy characteristics intertwined with violets, liquorice, and black fruits are liqueur-like. Ripe, rich, and dense, with spectacular purity and equilibrium, this mind-boggling effort should be at its peak in 2-4 years and last for 15-20.
100 points Robert Parker, Hedonists Gazette, Oct 2003
1 case - 6/75cl Romanee St Vivant Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2000 @ £17,995 per 6 IB & OWC 2-3 weeks – bought EP C&B stock stored Octavian – some tissue-stained labels – photos available
(Opened from personal storage). Some light bricking, though, with a deep ruby core. There is a suggestion of sous-bois lurking in the background of the mostly secondary nose of ripe dark berry pinot fruit, plenty of spice and hints of dried rose petals and sandalwood. I very much like the texture and verve of the strikingly complex medium-weight flavours that exhibit fine length on the balanced finale. For my taste, this has just now arrived at its peak, though it should be capable of holding here for many years to come. I tasted it a number of times over the years, and while I have had largely consistent experiences, there was one bottle that was quite badly reduced and required several hours of aeration.
93 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Mar 2023, now+
1 case – 6/75cl Richebourg Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2000 @ £21,995 per 6 IB & OWC (Lowest Wine Searcher £24,000-£26,495++) now – photo attached – bought EP C&B stock stored Octavian
An exuberantly spicy and notably ripe nose displays discreet notes of torrefaction and roasted espresso beans on the overtly floral-suffused aromas. The muscular flavours are supported by ripe tannins and plenty of minerality, both of which carry over to the dusty, complex and solidly long finish. This is really quite regal, and in 2000, it's more of a middleweight than its normal massive and quite firmly structured character. For my taste, this is nearly ready and should only need another 3 to 5 years to arrive at its apogee. Tasted multiple times with largely consistent notes.
93 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Mar 2019, 2023+
1 case - 6/75cl Romanee St Vivant Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2002 @ £19,695 per 6 IB & OWC now – bought EP C&B stock stored Octavian – photo attached
1 case - 3/75cl Romanee St Vivant Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2002 @ £9,995 per 3 IB & OWC now – bought EP C&B stock stored Octavian
This hadn't come my way since 2009 in large format though I have a more recent note from 750 ml herein. The nose remains highly aromatic, indeed almost kaleidoscopic in the sheer breadth of aromas, but the spice is so remarkable, cut with floral and stem hints that add depth. The medium-bodied flavors are quite fine with beautiful detail; indeed they are chiseled, and a drop dead gorgeous velvety texture that is soft in the middle yet still moderately firm on the exceptionally long if ever-so-mildly bitter finish. The overall character is discreet and understated, and in classic RSV fashion, this is built along the lines of elegance and finesse. In large format, this is still on the way up, and I would suggest holding it for another 8 to 10 years.
95 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Mar 2023
1 case – 1/150cl Richebourg Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2002 @ £10,695 per 1 MAGNUM IB & re-packed C&B carton (Lowest Wine Searcher £13,395++) now – photo attached– bought EP C&B stock stored Octavian – split allocation 3 magnum case
(Fashioned with <70% whole clusters). I had not tried the '02 Riche in several years, so it was interesting to see how it's progressing. The expressive though very cool nose is finally beginning to display the initial hints of maturity with the classic dried rose petal and spice nuances adding both elegance and breadth to the pretty mix of red fruit and plum scents. There is a beguiling mouth feel to the intensely mineral-driven broad-shouldered flavours that are at once powerful but sleek, all wrapped in a muscular and palate-staining finish. The refined palate impression is considerably enhanced by the dense but extremely fine tannins, in fact, so much so that while this is still very clearly on the way up, it could actually be drunk now with pleasure. That said, I would still strongly advise holding this strikingly pretty effort for another 6 to 10 years first. I should note that while I have had relatively consistent notes over the years, occasionally, I land on a bottle that seems herbaceous and almost vegetal; why this variation occurs isn't clear, but nonetheless, it does happen.
95 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Oct 2016, 2020+
1 case - 3/75cl Romanee St Vivant Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2003 @ £9,995 per 3 IB & OWC now – bought EP C&B stock stored Octavian
1 case - 6/75cl Romanee St Vivant Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2003 @ £19,795 per 6 IB & OWC now – bought EP C&B stock stored Octavian
(With thanks to Pat Dukes). This is surprisingly fresh and elegant with its pretty floral and overtly spicy notes that add nuance to the ripe but not roasted black fruit aromas. While clearly well-concentrated and powerful, there is fine precision, refinement and purity to the strikingly complex and vibrant flavours that are supple on the mid-palate but quite firm on the finish. There is the barest trace of warmth, but it's a background note, and overall, this is superbly classy juice. In the context of what is typical for the DRC RSV this is a big but stylish wine that should live for years, indeed it is still very much on the way up - patience! Note that in July 2017, I had a bottle that displayed noticeable brett, and it was enough to detract from the overall sense of freshness.
94 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Jul 2016
2 cases - 3/75cl Romanee St Vivant Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2004 @ £8,495 per 3 IB & OWC now – bought EP C&B stock stored Octavian – photo attached
A deft touch of wood frames exuberantly expressive and luxurious black fruit nose nuanced by a huge range of spices, including anise, clove and cinnamon, with notes of tea and hoisin as well. The moderately full flavours are sappy, rich and sweet, with ample volume and a palate-drenching finish that benefits from an underlying sense of vibrancy. There is real energy here, which seems to collect and focus the flavours. There is a mild trace of dryness though it's presently not enough to upset the balance materially. Overall, this is terrific stuff and exceptionally long, with virtually no trace of vegetal character on either the nose or the finish.
92 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Jun 2009, 2016+
1 case - 3/75cl Romanee St Vivant Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2005 @ £11,295 per 3 IB & OWC now – photo attached – bought EP C&B stock stored Octavian
(With thanks to Henry Tang). An incredibly perfumed and supremely elegant, if notably ripe, nose features notes of various black fruit scents that are replete with soy, hoisin, clove and anise nuances. There is outstanding power and richness to the refined, detailed and still quite firmly structured flavours that culminate in a precise, pure and driving finish that goes on and on. This is a really impressive effort that offers terrific potential, but fans of this wine should note that it is arguably more masculine than it usually is yet, at the same time, utterly seamless. In sum, this is arguably the finest RSV that the Domaine has ever produced, though one that is indisputably going to require extended ageing. Tasted twice in 2019 with similar notes.
97 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Mar 2019, 2030+
1 case - 2/75cl Richebourg Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2005 @ £7,895 per 2 IB & OWC2 (Lowest Wine Searcher £8,495++) now – photos available – Rare 2 pack OWC, sequential bottles
Initially, this was quite firmly reduced, though after 15 minutes or so of aeration, vigorous swirling coaxes ripe but fresh and superbly elegant aromas that include red, black, blue and violet scents as well as seemingly a full cupboard of Asian spices to reveal themselves. The robust, extremely rich, full-bodied and naturally sweet flavours are quite floral on the palate and culminate in a detailed and immensely long finish where the tannic spine is firm but not hard. For now, this is definitely a wine to leave buried in the back of your cellar, but when it is finally ready, it's going to be brilliant.
97 points Allen Meadows, Burghound (3/2019)
1 case - 3/75cl Romanee St Vivant Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2006 @ £7,895 per 3 IB & re-packed carton 2-3 weeks – bought EP C&B stock stored Octavian
(With thanks to Pat Dukes). An elegant, fresh, ripe and still quite restrained yet overtly spicy nose displays notes that run toward the plum and blueberry side of the fruit spectrum, along with plenty of floral nuances. The solidly structured and very serious middle weight flavours possess good density and punch before culminating in a still youthfully austere finish that delivers very fine depth and length on the linear, precise and balanced. Regarding drinkability, this is still very much on the way up. While it is certainly interesting to see how a wine like the '06 RSV is developing, it is still much too early to be cracking any bottles, and indeed, I would not suggest doing so for at least another 6 to 10 years. Tasted several times with consistent notes except for one bottle that displayed a touch of brett on the nose but not on the finish.
94 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Jul 2016, 2023+
1 case – 3/75cl Richebourg Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2006 @ £10,495 per 3 IB & OWC6 now – photos attached – bought EP C&B stock stored Octavian – 3 bottles in original OWC6 – sequential numbers
This is initially quite fragrant and expressive, but the longer that the wine sat in the glass, the more it progressively shut down, and a great deal of swirling was necessary to liberate the mostly red berry fruit aromas that are liberally laced with a broad range of spice and floral elements, in particular, rose petal. The broad-shouldered flavours possess a beguiling texture even though the supporting structure makes itself felt very quickly on the firm but not hard finish that goes on and on. While this is still clearly extremely young, 2006 is one of the few vintages of the DRC Richebourg with less than 15 years of age that could be reasonably approached now, though I stress that there is still considerable upside development potential remaining. In a word, terrific. Tasted thrice in the several years with consistent results. Note that the last bottle was decanted for one hour in advance, and while it was still very youthful, it was also reasonably accessible.
95 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Apr 2017, 2026+
2 cases - 3/75cl Romanee St Vivant Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2007 @ £8,895 per 3 IB & OWC now – bought EP C&B stock stored Octavian – photo available
(With thanks to Joe Wong and Bonnie Wai). A maturing and ultra-elegant, pure and quite delicately fruited nose is exceptionally spicy and floral in character. The refined and seductively textured, detailed and delineated middle weight flavours possess laser-like focus on the energetic, complex and strikingly long finish. This is an unqualified success for the 2007 vintage, and I was seriously impressed with its overall sense of harmony, grace and class. Note that this is already drinking well though I would be inclined to hold it for a few more years first.
95 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Aug 2020, 2025+
1 case – 3/75cl Richebourg Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2007 @ £10,495 per 3 IB & OWC (SIB) now – photo available – bought EP C&B stock stored Octavian
A much more restrained, even taciturn nose that is actually quite ripe, spicy, fresh and diaphanous features primarily floral-infused red berry, mineral and Asian spice aromas that merge gracefully into supple, round and tautly muscled broad-shouldered flavours that are almost as pure as those of the RSV, all wrapped in a detailed, focused and almost painfully intense finish brimming with minerality and striking length. This is a karate champion of a wine that isn't especially big, but the power and authority of the punch are hard to believe. I suspect that even though the '07 Riche will not be a long-distance runner by the standards that are typical here, this will be a late bloomer in terms of permitting a true assessment of its character and potential, meaning at least a decade.
93 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Jan 2010, 2021+
1 case - 3/75cl Romanee St Vivant Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2008 @ £9,995 per 3 IB & OWC now – bought EP C&B stock stored Octavian
As one would reasonably expect, this is notably more elegant with a pure, delicate and layered nose of floral notes, in particular rose and violet, along with clove, anise and sandalwood nuances that gracefully introduce rich, forward and generous flavours that retain a wonderful sense of tension, detail and refinement on the precise, textured and focused finish that offers tremendous length. For all its considerable attributes, however, this remains an understated wine of harmony, grace and impeccable balance. A stunner of a wine.
95 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Jan 2011, 2026+
1 case - 3/75cl Romanee St Vivant Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2010 @ £10,995 per 3 IB & OWC now– bought EP C&B stock stored Octavian
2010 Romanée St. Vivant: (this vineyard is presently divided into fourths by the Domaine, and one section is never used, another is always used, and the remaining two are evaluated and added or not as quality dictates; generally, the amount held out amounts to 1.5 ha). All that I could think when I first put my nose in the glass was, “Wow!” as the airy and very cool nose of ultra-elegant spice, floral and herbal nuances greeted me. Add to this plenty of attractive nuances to the kaleidoscopically layered red currant and plum-suffused aromas, and you have something pretty special. This is, not surprisingly, much more refined than the Grands Ech, as the supporting tannins on the silky middle-weight flavours are extremely fine-grained yet notably dense as the explosive finish is quite firm. Despite the tightly wound structure, the overall impression of the mouthfeel is one of delicacy and ultimate refinement. This should be a particularly excellent vintage for what has become one of the stars of this gorgeously deep portfolio of wines.
96 points Allen Meadows, Burghound /2025+
2 cases - 3/75cl Romanee St Vivant Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2011 @ £9,295 per 3 IB & OWC now – bought EP C&B stock stored Octavian
This is certainly one of, if not the, most floral wines in the 2011 range, with the possible exception of the Richebourg. The extraordinarily elegant and airy nose is positively kaleidoscopic in its sheer breadth of spice elements that combine with the stunningly pure red and black raspberry fruit aromas that are liberally laced with rose petal nuances. The lacy, intense and beautifully precise middle weight flavours are harmonious and impeccably well-balanced on the fabulously long and silky finish where a touch of youthful asperity is present. This should be terrific in time.
94 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Jan 2014, 2026+
1 case - 3/75cl Romanee St Vivant Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2012 @ £10,395 per 3 IB & OWC now – bought EP C&B stock stored Octavian
This is notably more elegant with its pure and exquisitely perfumed and markedly floral nose that displays a huge array of Vosne-style spice elements along with a trace of oak. There is an ultra-refined mouth feel to the equally pure, intense, detailed and lilting medium-bodied flavours that appear to possess a bit more volume than usual before culminating in a penetrating and intense finish that is also quite compact and linear at present. The underlying reserves of the dry extract are undeniably deep and buffer the firm but not hard tannic spine well; overall, this is a wine of grace and harmony. It's interesting as the mouthfeel is light, indeed almost delicate, yet the flavour authority is remarkable; it is the epitome of what I like to describe as power without weight.
95 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Jan 2015, 2027+
2 cases - 3/75cl Romanee St Vivant Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2013 @ £8,295 per 3 IB & OWC now – bought EP C&B stock stored Octavian
Here, the subtly oaked nose is not only more expressive but also more floral and perfumed, with its elegant and airy array of highly spiced red currant, herbal tea, and sandalwood scents. There is a silky texture to the wonderfully precise, tight, intense and vibrant medium-weight flavours that possess really lovely good complexity, all wrapped in a gorgeously persistent finale.
93 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Jan 2016, 2030+
2 cases – 3/75cl Richebourg Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2013 @ £9,295 per 3 IB & OWC (Lowest Wine Searcher £10,250++) now – bought EP C&B stock stored Octavian – photos available
2013 Richebourg: A distinctly cool and restrained nose is comprised of notes of both red and dark currant, cinnamon, violet, Pekoe tea, clove, hoisin and noticeable wood treatment. The imposingly-scaled, concentrated and almost painfully intense mineral-driven flavours possess a beguiling inner mouth perfume that continues onto the robust, earthy, dusty and moderately austere finish that, somewhat curiously, is noticeably shorter than usual. This dense, structured and ultra-serious effort feels as though it is only beginning to take shape, and as such, my score offers the benefit of the doubt that this will come together with time in a bottle, of which I underscore that plenty will be required.
94 points Allen Meadows, Burghound /2033+
1 case - 3/75cl Romanee St Vivant Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2014 @ £7,795 per 3 IB & OWC now – bought EP C&B stock stored Octavian
2014 Romanée St. Vivant: A deft but not invisible application of wood sets off the airy, cool and strikingly elegant nose that is composed of notes of both red and dark currant, a wide range of floral and spice elements, as well as Asian-style tea scents. The refined and caressing middle-weight flavours possess a sleek and cool mouth feel while retaining good definition on the firm but well-balanced and sneaky long finish that exhibits a bit less finesse than usual, even if it is still quite fine.
95 points Allen Meadows, Burghound/2029+
2 cases – 3/75cl Richebourg Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2014 @ £9,995 per 3 IB & OWC now – bought EP C&B stock stored Octavian
2014 Richebourg: This is perhaps the most floral wine in the 2014 range. Plus, it’s even spicier than the RSV, if not the La Tâche, with its rose petal, violet, lilac, Asian spice, sandalwood, dark berry liqueur and lavender-scented nose. Not surprisingly, this is both bigger and richer than the RSV, with excellent muscle and intensity to the mineral-driven broad-shouldered flavours that deliver stunningly good complexity on the impressively concentrated but seamlessly well-balanced finale that really fans out as it sits on the palate. While this is certainly robust, the 2014 Riche displays a bit more refinement than usual at this early stage of its development.
95 points Allen Meadows, Burghound /2034+
1 case – 3/75cl Richebourg Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2015 @ £11,695 per 3 IB & OWC (Lowest Wine Searcher £13,000-£14,000++) now – bought EP C&B stock stored Octavian
2015 Richebourg: Subtle wood spice, violet, lavender, cassis, plum, tea and warm earth aromas combine to introduce incredibly rich, full-bodied, gorgeously complex and mouth-coating flavours that possess a near-perfect balance on the overtly powerful, sappy and explosively persistent mineral-driven finish. This is very firmly structured, yet two important aspects render this entirely civilized: 1) the tannins are unusually fine-grained, and 2) there is so much dry extract present on the mid-palate that the backend does not possess its usual level of youthful austerity. Like the Romanée St. Vivant, this is textbook Riche built to last for decades.
97 points Allen Meadows, Burghound /2035+
2 cases - 3/75cl Romanee St Vivant Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2016 @ £9,395 per 3 IB & OWC (SIB) now – bought EP C&B stock stored Octavian – photo available
A more restrained and cooler nose reflects super-fresh and floral-inflected aromas of exceptionally spicy red and dark currant, violet, plum and tea. There is a highly refined mouthfeel to the almost lacy yet concentrated middle-weight flavours that possess first-rate complexity on the balanced and wonderfully persistent if youthfully austere finish. This crunchy effort is classed in a glass with its emphasis on finesse, which is quite different from Corton's evident power and punch. Textbook built-to-age RSV.
95 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Jan 2019, 2034+
2 cases - 3/75cl Romanee St Vivant Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2017 @ £7,695 per 3 IB & OWC now – bought EP C&B stock stored Octavian
2017 Romanée St. Vivant: (from an incredible 5.29 ha holding). A markedly floral and very finely nuanced nose almost timidly reflects notes of rose petal, violet, red currant, sandalwood, tangerine peel and a whisper of anise. The sleek and strikingly refined medium-bodied flavours culminate in a sneaky long if decidedly compact, and quite serious finish that is presently on the youthfully austere side. This is an exercise in lace and grace though not one without plenty of punch.
94 points Allen Meadows, Burghound /2032+
1 case - 3/75cl Romanee St Vivant Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2018 @ £7,895 per 3 IB & OWC now – bought EP C&B stock stored Octavian
2018 Romanée St. Vivant: (from an incredible 5.29 ha holding). Here, the nose is brooding to the point of almost mute, and aggressive swirling is required to gradually reveal plum liqueur, purple fruit, and a variety of subtle spice and floral wisps. There is terrific punch and detail to the middle-weight flavours that aren’t quite as concentrated or muscular as those of the Grands Echézeaux, yet there is still impressive power on the wonderfully long finish. This is somewhat less refined than it usually is and not quite as spicy either, though, by contrast, it is more tannic and a wine that also should develop slowly over the next 25 to 30 years. I found 2018 to be almost atypical in the sense that it’s much more powerful and imposing than usual, and it doesn’t have the refinement either, though that may well come with time in the bottle. Patience is strongly advised.
95 points Allen Meadows, Burghound /2043+
1 case – 12/75cl Chambertin Clos de Beze Grand Cru, Domaine Armand Rousseau 1999 @ £61,995 per 12 IB & OC (SIB) (Lowest Wine Searcher £89,995++) now – photo attached – excellent provenance – rare original case bought UK EP & stored UK in bond since shipping ex-Domaine – Goedhuis allocation
(With thanks to John Orth and Henry Tang; also opened from personal storage). The '99 Bèze just continues to get better and better with every passing year. A flat-out, gorgeously complex nose is comprised of spice, earth, minerality and still fresh red and black pinot fruit aromas. There is excellent richness to the intense and beautifully well-delineated medium-bodied flavors that are blessed with plenty of mouth coating dry extract that confers a seductive texture onto the strikingly persistent finish. Like the '99 Chambertin, while this could be drunk now, I would strongly advise holding it for at least another 5 years, and 10 would probably be better. I tasted it many times, and this only seems to go from strength to strength. In a word, exquisite. Tasted twice in both 2016 and 2017 with multiple and consistent notes since release.
97 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, July 2017, 2024+
1 case – 12/75cl Chambertin Grand Cru, Domaine Armand Rousseau 2004 @ £27,995 per 12 IB & OC (SIB) (Lowest Wine Searcher £31,861-£42,000++) now – photo attached
1 case – 6/75cl Chambertin Grand Cru, Domaine Armand Rousseau 2004 @ £13,995 per 6 IB & OC (SIB) now – photo available
The difference between Chambertin and Clos de Bèze is sharply etched in 2004 as this is cooler, bigger, richer, and more powerful, though less elegant, and with a more limited range of spices, specifically aromatic breadth in general. The medium full flavours 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 flavours as there is ample dry extract here, which serves to perfectly buffer the firmly tannic spine. It's outstanding stuff, and while not a truly great Rousseau Chambertin, it's knocking on the door.
93 points Allen Meadows, Burghound (1/2007)
1 case – 6/75cl Chambertin Clos de Beze Grand Cru, Domaine Armand Rousseau 2004 @ £13,395 per 6 IB & re-packed Goedhuis carton (Lowest Wine Searcher £15,500++) now – photo attached - UK allocation EP – split 12 pack UK allocation
A densely fruited and superbly complex nose of spice, earth, ripe red fruit aromas, leather and underbrush leads to rich, supple, elegant and pure flavours where the structure arrives all at once on the seriously long finish. This is not a big Bèze by the usual Rousseau standards, yet the explosive finish and outstanding depth suggest that it will age well and hold for much longer.
93 points Allen Meadows, Burghound (1/2007)
1 case – 6/75cl Chambertin Clos de Beze Grand Cru, Domaine Armand Rousseau 2006 @ £14,995 per 6 IB & OC (SIB) (Lowest Wine Searcher £16,995++) now – photo available
(from yields of only 17 hl/ha in 2006) This departs from its normal expressiveness by being much more restrained and, if not backwards, then at least relatively reticent on the spicy red berry fruit nose that quietly introduces very concentrated, brooding, superbly powerful and equally well-focused flavours underpinned by very firm tannins and plenty of underlying tension as you can really sense the energy here on the youthfully austere and ever so slightly dry finish that doesn't have the same phenolic ripeness level as the Chambertin. It's interesting because this is so cool and backwards that in 2006, it's more Chambertin than Bèze. Drink: 2018+
92 points Allen Meadows, Burghound (1/2009)
1 case – 6/75cl Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru ‘Clos St Jacques’, Domaine Armand Rousseau 2007 @ £7,795 per 6 IB & OC (SIB) (Lowest Wine Searcher £8,400-£10,000++) now - photo attached – UK allocation EP
Fresh and still youthful aromas are composed of notes of cool essence of red berries, earth, spice and a whiff of wood character. The round, supple and relatively forward middle-weight flavours evidence plenty of minerality on the focused and sneaky long finish that tightens up noticeably as it sits on the palate. This well-made and utterly delicious effort isn't seductive, but I like the delivery and balance. While it could certainly be enjoyed now, I would continue to hold it for up to another decade.
92 points Allen Meadows, Burghound (3/2019)
1 case – 6/75cl Chambertin Grand Cru, Domaine Armand Rousseau 2007 @ £13,995 per 6 IB & OC12 (Lowest Wine Searcher £17,430++) now – photo available – 6 bottles in an OC 12 – UK allocation EP
1 case – 6/75cl Chambertin Grand Cru, Domaine Armand Rousseau 2007 @ £14,895 per 6 IB & OC (SIB) (Lowest Wine Searcher £17,430++) now – photo available – UK allocation EP
By contrast to the Clos St. Jacques and the Bèze, the Cham has already eaten its wood, which allows free rein for the spicy, pure, elegant and restrained earthy red pinot fruit with animal hints and ample mineral notes to dissolve seamlessly into dusty, textured, precise and palate staining big-bodied flavours that are exceptionally tight on the linear but hugely long finish. At present, the Bèze appears to have slightly better underlying material, but we'll see in time as both are sensational, plus the Cham has a long-demonstrated ability to add weight to the bottle.
94 points Allen Meadows, Burghound (1/2010)
1 case – 6/75cl Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru ‘Clos St Jacques’, Domaine Armand Rousseau 2008 @ £8,295 per 6 IB & OC (SIB) now - photo attached – UK allocation EP
The colour is just beginning to lighten at the rim. There is ample secondary influence to the spicy dried red berry scents that reflect additional notes of soft earth and a whiff of the sauvage. There is both excellent intensity and minerality to the beautifully well-detailed middle-weight flavours that culminate in a linear, focused, sneaky, long finish that is the duty and still a bit austere. This is unlikely to ever be a seductive wine as it's shaped and defined by its acidity, but I very much like the depth of the wine. I would further note that while this could certainly be enjoyed now, there is a bit of upside potential remaining, though with that said, I wouldn't advise ageing this for the very long term as it risks becoming edgy in time.
92 points Allen Meadows, Burghound (3/2019)
1 case – 6/75cl Charmes Chambertin Grand Cru, Domaine Armand Rousseau 2009 @ £5,495 per 6 IB & OC (SIB) (Lowest Wine Searcher £6,200++) now – photo attached – UK allocation EP
A high-toned and fresh nose of wild raspberries, cranberries and warm earth aromas gives way to round, supple and unusually sophisticated medium-bodied flavours that possess lovely detail on the persistent finish. This is actually less complex than the Cazetiers though it might catch up in time.
89-92 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Jan 2011
1 case – 6/75cl Chambertin Grand Cru, Domaine Armand Rousseau 2009 @ £19,995 per 6 IB & OC (SIB) now – photo attached – UK allocation EP
2009 Chambertin: This is also ultra-pure and densely fruited with notes of anise, mint, wet stone and a Sauvage hint that introduces intensely earthy and mineral-driven big-bodied flavours that are rich, powerful, serious and densely concentrated, all wrapped in the silky, palate-staining, explosive and colossally persistent finish. This is actually relatively expressive and approachable for a young Cham, yet balance and harmony have been present for this age for decades. A brilliant effort and one of the best vintages ever for this justifiably revered wine.
98 points Allen Meadows, Burghound /2029+
1 case – 3/75cl Clos de la Roche Grand Cru, Domaine Armand Rousseau 2010 @ £3,595 per 3 IB & re-packed carton (Lowest Wine Searcher £4,500-£4,750++) now - photo available – UK allocation EP split OC6
2010 Clos de la Roche: A well-layered and dense nose features notes of anise, earth, underbrush, violets and both red and blue pinot fruit aromas. There is a very good volume of large-scale and dense yet quite supple flavours that possess excellent length. This is impeccably well-balanced and should require 15 years or so to arrive at its peak.
92-94 points Allen Meadows, Burghound /2025+
1 case – 6/75cl Gevrey Chambertin, Domaine Armand Rousseau 2011 @ £1,895 per 6 IB & OC (SIB) (Lowest Wine Searcher £1,960-£2,300++) now – photo attached
The nose shows a touch of reduction, removing the top part of the red berry fruit and earth aromatic profile. The cool and pure flavours have a restrained character, supported by notably fine-grained tannins on the clean, balanced, and ever-so-mildly austere finish.
88-91 Allen Meadows, Burghound, Jan 2013, 2017+
1 case – 6/75cl Charmes Chambertin Grand Cru, Domaine Armand Rousseau 2011 @ £3,295 per 6 IB & OC (SIB) now – photo attached
2011 Charmes-Chambertin: (from a 1.4 ha parcel of roughly 20-year-old vines that is situated one-third in Charmes proper and the remainder in Mazoyères). In contrast to the reduction present in the prior wines, this is really quite aromatically lovely, with its expressive nose and very fresh red berry fruit, earth, and humus scents. There are the same kinds of very fine-grained tannins underpinning the opulent yet reasonably precise medium-weight flavours that culminate in a balanced and persistent if slightly less complex, finish.
89-92 points Allen Meadows, Burghound /2019+
1 case – 6/75cl Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru ‘Clos St Jacques’, Domaine Armand Rousseau 2011 @ £6,395 per 6 IB & OC now - photo attached – UK allocation EP - slight scuff bottle 5
2011 Gevrey-Chambertin “Clos St. Jacques”: (from a 2.2 ha parcel raised in 70% new wood). Discreet wood sets off ultra-fresh and airy aromas of red currant, blueberries and plum that are trimmed in hints of wet stone and earth. There is a wonderfully refined mouth feel to the mineral-tinged middle-weight flavours that possess an appealing verve, along with superb detail on the harmonious and exceptionally persistent finish. This very firm effort is textbook Clos St, Jacques.
94 points Allen Meadows, Burghound //2026+
1 case – 6/75cl Chambertin Grand Cru, Domaine Armand Rousseau 2011 @ £12,495 per 6 IB & OC now - photo attached– UK allocation EP - slight scuff marks bottle 3
1 case – 3/75cl Chambertin Grand Cru, Domaine Armand Rousseau 2011 @ £5,795 per 3 IB & re-packed carton now - photo available (Howard Ripley allocation split 6)
2011 Chambertin: This is completely different from the Bèze aromatically speaking, as here the nose is brooding and recalcitrant, and only aggressive swirling liberates fresh scents of spice, wet stone, game and dark berry fruits. There is outstanding richness to the powerful and impressively scaled flavours that possess an abundance of dry extract that imparts a velvety quality to the mid-palate while also buffering the tightly wound core of firm tannins on the driving mineral-inflected and hugely persistent finish. This is a stunner of a wine and one of the great wines of the 2011 vintage.
96 points Allen Meadows, Burghound /2028+
1 case – 6/75cl Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru ‘Clos St Jacques’, Domaine Armand Rousseau 2012 @ £8,395 per 6 IB & OC (SIB) now - photo attached – UK allocation EP
2012 Gevrey-Chambertin “Clos St. Jacques”: (from a 2.2 ha parcel raised in 70% new wood). There is a deft touch of wood to the reluctant but ultra-elegant essence of red pinot fruit, floral elements and wet stone scents. This is splendidly well detailed
with a terrific sense of underlying tension, adding energy to the medium-weight flavours that brim with a fine minerality before culminating in a balanced and stunningly long finish. This age-worthy effort is the most refined wine among these four 2012s and dances across the palate. In a word, dazzling.
95 points Allen Meadows, Burghound /2027+
1 case – 6/75cl Gevrey Chambertin, Domaine Armand Rousseau 2014 @ £2,595 per 6 IB & OC (Lowest Wine Searcher £2,670 re-pack) 3-4 weeks
1 case – 6/75cl Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru ‘Clos St Jacques’, Domaine Armand Rousseau 2014 @ £5,595 per 6 IB & OC 3-4 weeks
2014 Gevrey-Chambertin “Clos St. Jacques”: (from a 2.2 ha parcel raised in 70% new wood). A discreet but not invisible touch of wood sets off a more deeply pitched and intensely floral nose that, in particular, displays notes of violet and lavender along with plum, black cherry, spice and gentle earth scents. There is, again, excellent volume to the sleek but powerful and concentrated middle weight plus flavours that exude a fine bead of minerality on the moderately austere finish that delivers flat-out superb persistence. While this gorgeously classy effort will also require extended keeping to reach its apogee, it contrasts with the Grands Crus in that it should be approachable after only 6 to 8 years of bottle age.
96 points Allen Meadows, Burghound /2029+
1 case – 6/75cl Gevrey Chambertin, Domaine Armand Rousseau 2016 @ £2,795 per 6 IB & OC (Lowest Wine Searcher £2,850) 3-4 weeks
1 case – 6/75cl Gevrey Chambertin ‘Clos du Chateau’ MONOPOLE, Domaine Armand Rousseau 2016 @ £3,295 per 6 IB & OC (Lowest Wine Searcher £3,995++) now – photo attached
2016 Gevrey-Chambertin “Clos du Chateau”: A pretty, fresh and agreeably layered nose combines notes of both various red berries and earth scents. The round, supple and attractively vibrant middle-weight flavours possess solid persistence if only average depth. This is certainly appealing in its fashion, but it’s much more fruit-driven than the regular cuvée.
87-89 points Allen Meadows, Burghound/2022+
1 case – 6/75cl Ruchottes Chambertin Grand Cru ‘Clos des Ruchottes’ MONOPOLE, Domaine Armand Rousseau 2016 @ £5,295 per 6 IB & OC now – photos attached
2016 Ruchottes-Chambertin – Clos des Ruchottes: (20% new wood). A highly appealing freshness to the elegant aromas of red and dark berries that are at once intensely earthy and spicy. In the same fashion, there is a lovely sense of verve and freshness to the markedly mineral-driven medium-bodied flavours that possess first-rate delineation on the sleek, youthfully austere and sneaky long finish. This is really quite classy and has already developed impressive depth. While this clearly has the intrinsic stuffing to reward extended cellaring, 5-ish years or so should be sufficient in order to enjoy this beauty if youthful fruit is your preference.
94 points Allen Meadows, Burghound /2036+
1 case – 6/75cl Chambertin Grand Cru, Domaine Armand Rousseau 2017 @ £13,495 per 6 IB & OWC now - photo attached – rare original wooden case
1 case – 6/75cl Chambertin Grand Cru, Domaine Armand Rousseau 2017 @ £14,995 per 6 IB & OC now - photos available
2017 Chambertin: (2.55 ha; 100% new wood). Discreet wood is present on the ultra-fresh and incredibly spicy, though even more restrained nose that reflects notes of red berries, sauvage, earth, floral and exotic tea wisps. The gorgeous mouthfeel of the imposingly constituted and admirably concentrated flavours is one of the contrasts as the mid-palate is quite supple, yet the powerful, driving, austere and muscular finish is robust, serious and austere. This almost painfully intense wine is jaw droppingly good and somewhat curiously relative to how the Chambertin and the Clos de Bèze typically show at this stage, the Chambertin is the flashier of the two. We’ll see in time, though, as it’s usually the Chambertin that goes into a shell only to emerge 20+ years later. Be that as it may, today, this is a genuine ‘wow’ wine.
97 points Allen Meadows, Burghound /2037+
1 case – 6/75cl Charmes Chambertin Grand Cru, Domaine Armand Rousseau 2018 @ £4,395 per 6 IB & OC (SIB) now – photo attached
2018 Charmes-Chambertin: (from a 1.47 ha holding of roughly 25+-year-old vines that combines .61 ha in Charmes with .86 ha in Mazoyères; this is now seeing 20% new wood as of 2017 whereas before it saw none). A very ripe yet still quite fresh nose is comprised of notes of plum liqueur, newly turned earth, violet and a whiff of the sauvage, all of which are trimmed in just enough wood to mention. The exceptionally rich and enveloping medium-weight flavours possess very fine concentration while displaying impressive power on the mildly rustic finale. This is notably more robust and structured than usual.
91-94 points Allen Meadows, Burghound /2035+
1 case – 6/75cl Gevrey Chambertin ‘Clos du Chateau’ MONOPOLE, Domaine Armand Rousseau 2020 @ £2,795 per 6 IB & OC (Lowest Wine Searcher £3,240 loose++) now
Very fresh aromas include those of various dark berries and just-turned earth. The delicious middle-weight flavours possess very good verve and nice detail on the solidly complex and persistent finish. After an initial period where this lagged consistently behind the regular Gevrey cuvée, it is beginning to round into form.
89-91 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Jan 2022, 2027+
1 case – 6/75cl Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru ‘Lavaux St Jacques’, Domaine Armand Rousseau 2021 @ £2,995 per 6 IB & OC now
A spicy, if restrained, and exceptionally cool nose grudgingly gives up its aromas of red and dark currant, the Sauvage, newly turned earth, and hummus. The racy yet dense and powerful big-bodied flavors flash excellent minerality on the beautifully long and chiseled finale. This could use better depth, but the Rousseau LSJ has a fine aging track record. There is fine potential here.
92 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Jan 2024
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