Ron Siegel

9.3

This was open & drinking beautifully with notes of meat, iron, dark fruits, sweet, savory spice, mineral, violet & tobacco notes. — 3 days ago

Mark Mannebach

9.3

Bright cherry and blueberry up front. Long smooth finish with a little spice — 5 days ago

Conrad Green

9.2

Inky and deep. Dark plum. Gnarly stuff underneath. Muscular for a shamble. Needs time? — 21 days ago

with Paul and Ara

Her Mir Tage

9.2

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. — 2 months ago

Dave Keatley

9.0

Opened this a few years too early. Dark and brooding. Olives, violet, blackberry. Wild and savory. Would love to try this again in a few years! — 25 days ago

Mark S.

9.1

Deep cherry red. Cassis, blue and black berry. Oak and subtle vanilla. Good concentration. Sweetness M Acidity M Tannin M+ Smooth Silky Joseph Phelps Vineyards Estate Grown Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 19 @3400, xiaduo - Laz, 251016 — 22 days ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

I think my posts on this producers Napa Cabernets with this kind of age have been clear. 2005 not the shinning star vintage of Napa Valley, yet non the less very consistent & punches above its price point. Pretty sure I bought this in the $35ish range. She is smooth with no bittiness on the palate.

The nose shows; used coffee grounds, dark currants, brambly, blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, both plums, melted dark chocolate, caramel, mocha powder, baking spices, black licorice, steeped black tea, sandstone,moist clays, fresh & dry herbs, dark, fresh & withering flowers.

The palate is elegant & still fresh; dark currants, brambly, blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, both plums, melted dark chocolate to pudding, caramel, mocha powder, baking spices-clove, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanillin, black licorice, mid to dark berry cola, steeped black tea, dark spice with palate heat, sandstone, moist clays, fresh & dry herbs, dark, fresh & withering flowers framed in violets, very round acidity with balance, evolution, structure/ tension & elegance for minutes and lands on earth & spice.

Still has 7-10 yrs ahead. You could make a case for 94 here. — 2 months ago

Jan A

9.5

Needs a lot more time! — 4 days ago

Conrad Green

9.4

Pure and dense. Lean and focused. Black pepper, garrigue, gnarly fruit. Hints of iodine and tang. Still young — 20 days ago

with Matt

GaryWEdwards

9.4

Patience rewarded in a full body bundle ready to enjoy for a couple of decades. Though a bit of Burgundy novice, my Faiveley wines seem to require a bit more patience than others but worth the wait. — 3 months ago