Domaine Armand Rousseau   Charmes Chambertin

2010 Charmes-Chambertin

By Domaine Armand Rousseau

2010 Charmes-Chambertin from Domaine Armand Rousseau, Burgundy, France

A survey of the revered offerings from Burgundy reveals the 2010 Charmes-Chambertin from Domaine Armand Rousseau as a triumph of viniculture, a beacon of prestige for oenophiles and astute investors alike. This illustrious vintage demands attention, especially given its celebratory reception among enthusiasts who understand the significant distinction of this particular year in the tapestry of Burgundian excellence.

 

Precise Pedigree: The Investor's Darling

Without question, Domaine Armand Rousseau stands as a bastion of quality, crafting exemplars that resonate profoundly in both flavour and investability. For the collector seeking both rarity and pedigree, the 2010 Charmes-Chambertin represents an impeccable acquisition. This heralded Pinot Noir, bespeaking a harmony of tradition and terroir, is steeped in the meticulous care familiar to aficionados of Rousseau's storied vintner heritage.

 

An Auspicious Year: A Climatic Largesse

The 2010 vintage in Burgundy was graced with a harmonious constellation of climatic factors, yielding a crop both limited in quantity but unparalleled in quality. Those fastidious vines at Charmes-Chambertin endured a fortuitous growing season marked by an August reprieve from what threatened initially to be an inclement year. It is this exacting journey from vine to vat that has imprinted upon the 2010 vintage its distinctive character; a canvas displaying a vibrant acidity juxtaposed with luscious fruit depth—a narrative spoken through each supple sip.

The marriage of elegance and structure within the 2010 Charmes-Chambertin articulates itself through layers of complex red fruit nuances intertwined with subtle earthen undertones. A wine that promenades along the palate with grace, it broadcasts notes of cherry and spice encased in silken tannins that conclude with an epilogue worthy of contemplation.

In closing, the 2010 Charmes-Chambertin from Domaine Armand Rousseau proffers a symphony of sensory indulgence powered by its advantageous year. This vintage delivers on all fronts—investment potential and sublime tasting experience—making it a venerated addition to any discerning collection. It stands testament to Burgundy's capacity for weaving climatic adversity into oenological gold; a distinguishing feature worth chronicling for both enthusiasts and investors alike.

Current market price

£11,340.00

12x75cl

Highest score

93

POP score

872.31

Scores and tasting notes

92-94

The 2010 Charmes-Chambertin is deep, fleshy and totally seductive. It boasts striking inner perfume that serves as a recurring thread with which endless nuances of fruit are woven together. Finessed, silky tannins provide the backbone for all of the aromas and flavors to shine. I loved the integrity of the fruit in the Charmes. Rousseau’s Charmes is roughly 60% Mazoyeres and 40% true Charmes. Anticipated maturity: 2020-2035. My visit with Eric Rousseau was one of the highlights of my fall trip. The 2010s are fabulous from top to bottom. Rousseau started picking on September 22. The fruit saw about four days of cold soak followed by a cuvaison that lasted anywhere from 15 to 21 days, depending on the wine. I was equally thrilled with the 2009s I tasted from bottle. I will have more on those wines in our April issue. Importer: Frederic Wildman & Sons, New York, NY; tel. (212) 355-0700

Antonio Galloni - The Wine Advocate, 22 December 2011

Vintage performance