2011 - Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Lavaux Saint-Jacques, Armand Rousseau

Moderately saturated bright medium red. Slightly reduced nose suggests black and red cherry, game and a hint of leather. Then supple and seamless in the mouth, with cherry and raspberry fruit flavors dominating. Finishes dense and long, with suave tannins and lingering sweetness.

Tasted blind at the Burgundy 2011 horizontal tasting in Beaune. The nose is slightly disjointed on Rousseau’s Gevrey-Chambertin Lavaux St Jacques 2011: a little vinegary perhaps and missing some freshness. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp acidity, juicy black cherry and cranberry fruit with a sharp, slightly angular finish that leaves a light spiced aftertaste. Nice tension here – plenty of freshness to build upon, although it is easier surpassed by the 2012, notwithstanding other vintages from this estate.

A hint of green on the nose. Fresh and sprightly – very bright fruit with a bit of gas in here. Lots of freshness. Vigour but not that much depth or weight. Real integrity and opens out on the end. (JR)