2005 Etablissement Nicolas Armand Rousseau Chambertin Grand Cru

Very pure fresh red with plenty of energy. Extremely backward on the nose, suggestive of a huge energy of fruit, but wait and see. Very powerful dense red fruit, the sweetness of youth, quite prominent acidity, tannins in balance. At table, the fruit has really blossomed, still tight but excellent potential.

Mid crimson. Lustrous look. Very firm and manly – the butch side of Pinot?! Firm and striated with iron. Straight-backed stuff, no sweet soppiness here. Very rich and spicy and alluring. Juicy and sumptuous and, ok, there's still a hint of oak but this is such wonderful stuff it's a real treat to be tasting it. So neat and long and although it is not luscious, it is not painfully dry. So rich yet structured. True spice, not tarty stuff. Only 500 cases made. (JR)