2012 Charmes Chambertin
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Tasting notes
The 2012 Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru has a lovely bouquet with floral, rose petal and iris flower scents percolating through the ripe red fruit, superb delineation and focus, with hints of bay leaf and thyme in the background. The palate is medium-bodied with gentle grip, by no means powerful, though unequivocally tensile with a lightly spiced, quite tender finish. Impressive length and overall, a very commendable wine for the vintage.
Critic scores
Average Score
Neal Martin
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Tasted blind at the annual "Burgfest" tasting in Beaune. The 2012 Charmes Chambertin Grand Cru from Domaine Armand Rousseau has a disjointed nose at first, showing some signs of reduction, although it does coalesce in the glass and offer crushed strawberry and red plum notes, deeply infused with forest floor and mushroom aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with a pastille-like entry, the acidity nicely judged with just a dab of spice towards the finish. It is a charming Charmes-Chambertin, but one that here falls short of my expectations out of barrel, whereas other Rousseau 2012s excel. Possibly this is suffering a dumb phase? I'll hang that question mark against my score.
(two-thirds from Mazoyeres): Very ripe aromas and flavors of cherry, raspberry, redcurrant, gibier and rose petal, plus a whiff of smoked meat. At once fruity and savory, showing less inner-mouth lift than the Cazetiers but in a more elegant style. Finishes with firm, sweet tannins and enticing lingering perfume.
About the producer
Based in Gevrey-Chambertin, Domaine Armand Rousseau is one of Burgundy’s most famous estates. Revered for making unearthly expressions of Pinot Noir, the estate’s wines are some of the most collectable in the world.