Domaine Armand Rousseau   Mazis Chambertin Grand Cru

1990 Mazis Chambertin Grand Cru

By Domaine Armand Rousseau

1990 Mazis Chambertin Grand Cru from Domaine Armand Rousseau, Burgundy

The exceptional 1990 vintage in Burgundy reflects a confluence of favourable conditions that transformed the grapes into vinous masterpieces. Among these celestial offerings, the 1990 Mazis Chambertin Grand Cru from Domaine Armand Rousseau emerges as a seminal work of enological art from this lauded parcel of terroir.

 

A Vintage Blessed by the Heavens

In an era where consistency was as revered as the complexity of flavour, the 1990 season bestowed upon winemakers throughout Burgundy, an immaculate canvas. The 1990 Mazis Chambertin Grand Cru stands as a testament to this extraordinary climatic generosity. Harvested under near-perfect conditions, this vintage exudes finesse and balance that only wines of true pedigree can aspire to achieve.

 

The Alchemy of Nature and Nurture

At its inception, the 1990 Mazis Chambertin Grand Cru benefitted not only from the gifts of nature but also from the meticulous craftsmanship of Domaine Armand Rousseau. This synergy has yielded a wine replete with deep ruby hues, an aromatic bouquet brimming with ripe cherries, blackcurrant, and enchanting earthy undertones. On the palate, one experiences a well-structured, taut acidity harmoniously intertwined with velvety tannins—an alluring dance culminating in a finish as lingering as it is profound.

Coveted for collectability and investable for its enduring appeal, this remarkable expression of Pinot Noir is a quintessential addition to any discerning investor's portfolio. Indeed, the 1990 Mazis Chambertin Grand Cru has matured gracefully in bottle, now revealing layers of complexity and depth that mirror the care woven into its creation.

 

Epilogue: A Bottle Bespeaking Timelessness

As exquisite today as it was upon release, the 1990 Mazis Chambertin Grand Cru from Domaine Armand Rousseau deftly articulates the essence of its vintage. A bottle that bespeaks both rarity and timeless allure, this wine is a fulcrum around which fine wine connoisseurs may pivot their aspirations for collection or investment in the sphere of Burgundian excellence.

Current market price

£17,780.00

12x75cl

Highest score

90

POP score

1778

Scores and tasting notes

90

The Chambertin is a more closed, deeper-colored wine than the outstanding Gevrey-Chambertin-Clos St.-Jacques. The Chambertin reveals an impressive dark ruby/purple color, a closed bouquet, and tight, hard tannins. This deep, broad-shouldered, full-bodied, intensely concentrated, chewy-textured, closed wine needs 5-6 years cellaring. It should last through the first decade of the next century. At the top level, Rousseau consistently produces three profound wines - Gevrey-Chambertin-Clos St.-Jacques (as good as most producer's grands crus), Chambertin-Clos de Beze, and Chambertin. That being said, I remain perplexed as to why Rousseau's other wines are so surprisingly light and fluid. While good, sometimes very good, they are markedly inferior to his top three wines. Never one to jump on the bandwagon for forward, super-ripe vintages, (he still believes 1983 is the finest vintage of the eighties), Rousseau is unpersuaded by the acclaim bestowed on 1990. Importer: Frederick Wildman, New York, NY.

Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 22 October 1992

87

At the top level, Rousseau consistently produces three profound wines - Gevrey-Chambertin-Clos St.-Jacques (as good as most producer's grands crus), Chambertin-Clos de Beze, and Chambertin. That being said, I remain perplexed as to why Rousseau's other wines are so surprisingly light and fluid. While good, sometimes very good, they are markedly inferior to his top three wines. Never one to jump on the bandwagon for forward, super-ripe vintages, (Rousseau still believes 1983 is the finest vintage of the eighties), he is unpersuaded by the acclaim bestowed on 1990. His medium ruby-colored Mazis-Chambertin reveals a rich, sweet nose of black fruits, ground beef, and sweet oak. Soft and round in the mouth, with low acidity and light tannins, it is an atypical Mazis given its precociousness and lack of ferociousness. Drink it over the next 7-8 years. Importer: Frederick Wildman, New York, NY.

Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 22 October 1992

Vintage performance