1991 Clos de la Roche

Rousseau's 1991 Clos de la Roche is the toughest and most problematic wine to evaluate. Unquestionably, it possesses power and body, but it is closed, and the tannins taste astringent. For now, I have given this wine the benefit of the doubt, but it requires monitoring for the next 3-4 years. Rousseau, one of the reference points for great burgundy, appears to have made 1991s that are even richer and more profound than his 1990s. His production was one-half of normal, so these wines will be difficult to find. Rousseau normally excels with his three top cuvees - Gevrey-Chambertin-Clos St.-Jacques, Chambertin-Clos de Beze, and Chambertin, but the lower level wines often lack concentration and intensity. That is not the case in 1991. Kudos to Rousseau for producing his finest portfolio of wines in over two decades! Importer: Frederick Wildman & Co., New York, NY.

A particularly lovely nose that remains elegant, pure and airy displays attractive secondary fruit aromas that continue onto the detailed and intense middle weight flavors that are not especially dense but nicely long. However, there is a noticeable hint of warmth as well as a touch of acidity that isn't as well integrated as one might prefer. Solid if not sensational quality here and while this could certainly be approached now, I would personally opt for cellaring it for a few more years first. Allen Meadows, Burghound Apr25,2006

Rousseau's 1991 Clos de la Roche is the toughest and most problematic wine to evaluate. Unquestionably, it possesses power and body, but it is closed, and the tannins taste astringent. For now, I have given this wine the benefit of the doubt, but it requires monitoring for the next 3-4 years.||Rousseau, one of the reference points for great burgundy, appears to have made 1991s that are even richer and more profound than his 1990s. His production was one-half of normal, so these wines will be difficult to find. Rousseau normally excels with his three top cuvees - Gevrey-Chambertin-Clos St.-Jacques, Chambertin-Clos de Beze, and Chambertin, but the lower level wines often lack concentration and intensity. That is not the case in 1991. Kudos to Rousseau for producing his finest portfolio of wines in over two decades! Importer: Frederick Wildman & Co., New York, NY. Wine Advocate.December, 1993