1996 Domaine Armand Rousseau, Chambertin-Clos de Beze Grand Cru 1x75cl

Stephen Tanzer 94

Bright deep red. Intoxicating aromas of raspberry, smoked meat, underbrush and oak char, plus an almost exotic sweetness. Sweet, pure fruit began a bit reticent but exploded with aeration to show great thrust and pinot tang. Despite its substantial volume, this wine’s fresh berry flavors are sharply delineated. Sweetly oaky in the mouth and on the suavely tannic, very long finish. Finishing note of cinnamon. [Stephen Tanzer, 03/01/1999]

Wine Advocate 93

The 1996 Chambertin Clos de Beze, here tasted blind, has wonderful delineation on the nose that displays a slightly ferrous scent that becomes accentuated with time. Later, there are suggestions of oxtail and briary. The palate is medium-bodied and is at full maturity, There is an autumnal haze around this Clos de Beze, with a leathery finish that demonstrates good persistency, if not nearly the class of the Chambertin ’96. I would drink this over the next decade. [Neal Martin, 02/09/2014]

Anticipated maturity: 2014-2025

JancisRobinson.com 15.0

Blackish ruby. Transparent. Something very slightly mouldy on the nose. Lots of acidity and very tough with a hint of Fruitella candy. Not pure I’m afraid. A bit dead on the finish. Drinking range ?? [01/10/2007]

Anticipated maturity: 2002-2006