Comte Armand

Domaine Armand Rousseau

Chambertin Grand Cru Pinot Noir 2002

Still catching up with the wine from the Burgundy dinner in Sydney 6 weeks ago. From vines 45 to 60 years old and an excellent vintage for Burgundy. Only 10 to 15% whole bunch which I found interesting - such is the power of the fruit. Some Sous Bois in evidence despite the low % of whole bunch. From my sketchy notes on the night, one word stood out “BRILLIANT “ — 9 days ago

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Domaine Armand Rousseau

Chambertin Clos de Bèze Grand Cru Pinot Noir 2012

Domaine Armand Rousseau Père & Fils Chambertin-Clos de Bèze Grand Cru 2012

For my first time tasting Domaine Armand Rousseau Père & Fils Chambertin-Clos de Bèze, the sommelier said that if Chambertin is the King, then this wine, Clos de Bèze, is the Queen. The 2012 vintage is relatively easy to approach and didn't require a very long decanting time—two hours was sufficient.

The 2012 growing season was quite challenging, with a severe cold spring, but the summer was warm and hot. As a result, the fruit profile of this wine is quite expressive.

For the first hour, the reduction notes were very strong. It only started to open up in the second hour. The aroma is quite elegant. Since we were dining at a restaurant, the sommelier was very meticulous in controlling the temperature of the glassware, adjusting the wine's condition to a optimal state.

I didn't get very exuberant fruit notes. The overall state of the wine was restrained and elegant—like a lady around 30 years old. Not only is her beauty present, but there's also a feeling of poise and steadiness. Everything was in balance: the aromas, flavours, and acidity.

Notes of cherry, blackberry, liquorice sweetness, a hint of mint, and some dried flowers. There was a slightly creamy texture on the palate. The body was rounded but not quite what I would call voluptuous.

I didn't find any particularly stunning or breathtaking flavours or aromas. I can only say that this wine's performance was... correct. I had originally hoped for more complex layers, but unfortunately, I felt its expression was relatively simple, not very complex. It was just quite elegant and graceful.

This wine is exceedingly expensive. For a similar quality presentation, I believe there are other options at perhaps half the price that could deliver a comparable experience.
— a month ago

Domaine Armand Rousseau

Clos de la Roche Grand Cru Pinot Noir 1996

1996 Domaine Armand Rousseau Clos de la Roche Grand Cru

Clos de la Roche, situated in Morey-Saint-Denis, is the most renowned and the largest Grand Cru vineyard of the village. Its terroir is consequently exceptional, yielding wines with striking acidity, remarkable concentration, and a structure that is powerful yet displays extraordinarily refined tannins. It is often considered one of Burgundy's most compelling wines, masterfully combining power with elegance.

The style neither mirrors the robust, muscular, and overtly powerful character typical of its northern neighbour, Gevrey-Chambertin, nor does it precisely replicate the extreme perfume, elegance, and delicacy that define its southern neighbour, Chambolle-Musigny. Instead, Clos de la Roche is the quintessential synthesis of strength and finesse—boasting a solid backbone alongside intricate depth of aroma and texture. Thanks to its pronounced acidity, one should not open a bottle without allowing for at least 15 years of ageing.

Upon opening, after 30 minutes the nose offered aromas of ripe black cherry, wild strawberry, sour plum, rose, and violet. After an hour, further notes of truffle, forest floor, leather, and spice developed. However, the minerality I expected remained elusive.

The bottle's condition was unfortunately not optimal. It lacked the sustained aromatic evolution and explosive bouquet I had anticipated. This fatigue and muted character were likely a result of its shipment from the United States.
— 20 days ago

Château de Pibarnon (Comte de Saint Victor)

Bandol Bourboulenc Blend 2024

What a stunner and something tells me the best is yet to come with some additional cellaring — 20 days ago

Dave, Tom and 15 others liked this

Les Héritiers du Comte Lafon

Le Monsard Mâcon-Bussières Chardonnay 2022

Tasting lunch at Au Fil de Zinc in Chablis. First experience with Maconnais. Good Chardonnay, with floral notes. — a month ago

Domaine Comte Abbatucci

Faustine Vieilles Vignes Sciacarello Nielluccio 2020

Spicy, light, fresh yet with quite some character. Fresh red fruit (strawberries & cherries) with a spice undercore.
On the palate this is light yet with presence and a nice tannic frame. I wasn’t expecting this fragility, but it’s really nice. And despite the lightness this has presence and character.
A lovely wine!
— 14 days ago

Daniel and Peter liked this

Les Héritiers du Comte Lafon

Mâcon-Milly-Lamartine Chardonnay 2023

Minerally and acidic. Citrus. Bitterness. Heritiers Du Comte Lafon Mâcon Milly Lamartine 23 @5478, Toscan, 250927 — 8 days ago

Comte Armand

Clos des Epeneaux Monopole Pommard 1er Cru Pinot Noir 2005

At 20 years top wines needs to be in a good place. Not a fan of 20+ aging - for reds. AND? Excellent cork. Some oxidation. Brown tinge. Plenty of tannins left - give it 10 min at least!!! Tobacco, plums, peaches? Rust. Touch orange juice. Hint oregano. Really coats your mouth. Incredibly mellowed out. Plenty of acid. COMPLEX. A little rustic - not elegant but bold and big. This is what Pommard should be classic. World class for Pommard. To keep this longer would be nuts - drink up! What a wine! — 2 months ago

Tom, Vin and 5 others liked this
Tom Casagrande

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What year?