2015 - Chambertin Grand Cru, Armand Rousseau

The 2015 Chambertin Grand Cru has a very sensual, pure bouquet that blooms with red cherries, red currant jus, crushed stone and a touch of sous-bois, all exquisitely defined and pixelated to the nth degree. The palate is extremely well balanced, offering fine, saturated tannin, a killer line of acidity and a precise, mineral-soaked, persistent finish that feels effortless. Stunning. Tasted blind at the annual Burgfest tasting.

Tasted blind, the 2015 Chambertin Grand Cru confirms its status as one of the wines of the vintage—and as the unequivocal highlight of Rousseau's 2015 portfolio. Aromas of sweet red-black fruits, candied peel and cedar mingle with nuances of grilled meats and raw cocoa in a complex bouquet, with a touch of oak vanillin emerging with aeration. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, deep and immensely layered, with succulent acids, supple and fine-grained tannins and an exceptionally long finish. Despite its aromatic and textural drama, it remains controlled and quintessentially elegant.

100% new oak. Spicy majesty with some dried curry spice to add real interest to the nose. Then lots of rich fruit that fans out on the palate and then quite tight tannins. Oak tannins? Very majestic but a bit devil-may-care. Lots there. Great polish. Very refined. Far from just a blockbuster. Slightly dry end but it actually went on and on. (JR)