Armand Rousseau Chambertin Grand Cru 2010

Rating: 95-97 pts by Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate

Maturity: Early
Drink Date: 2025-2050

“The 2010 Chambertin is exceptional for its polish and sheer elegance. Nothing in particular stands out, instead the Chambertin impresses for its fabulous overall sense of harmony. The integration of fruit, tannin and oak is beyond impeccable. Silky tannins wrap around a finish laced with dark red berries, licorice and sweet spices. Anticipated maturity: 2025-2050.

My visit with Eric Rousseau was one of the highlights of my fall trip. The 2010s are fabulous from top to bottom. Rousseau started picking on September 22. The fruit saw about four days of cold soak followed by a cuvaison that lasted anywhere from 15 to 21 days, depending on the wine. I was equally thrilled with the 2009s I tasted from bottle. I will have more on those wines in our April issue. “ – Antonio Galloni, The Wine Advocate, December 2011

CHAMBERTIN GRAND CRU

2HA55/12HA90 – EASTERN EXPOSURE

Long ago, a man named Bertin decided to cultivate the same vines in his field as those of the Bèze monks.

His wine was so exceptional that his vineyard came to be known solely in reference to him: Bertin’s field, or, in French, ‘Champ de Bertin’, which over the years became ‘Chambertin’. The grapes for this Chambertin Grand Cru come from three vineyards in the east-facing Chambertin appellation, and from a fourth vineyard, ‘Larrey’, a north-south parcel at the edge of the woods. The layout of this vineyard is such that it can only be cultivated using a horse and plough.

The soil has a very high limestone content. At the top of the Clos it lies on Bathonien calcerous clay and halfway down on crinodial limestone and marl from the Bajocian age. The stones are spread out unevenly. Chambertin is the wine of kings. Powerful, virile, concentrated with good structure. A wonderfully persistent mouthfeel with aromas of chocolate, liquorice and small red fruits.