1990 Chambertin Clos-de-Beze Grand Cru
By Domaine Armand Rousseau
1990 Chambertin Clos-de-Beze Grand Cru from Domaine Armand Rousseau, Burgundy, France
Standing as a towering testament to the majesty of Burgundy's terroir, the 1990 Chambertin Clos-de-Beze Grand Cru from Domaine Armand Rousseau remains an exquisite narrative of viticultural finesse four decades deep. A season graced with benevolent climatic gifts, the 1990 harvest yielded wines of profound structure and longevity, a statement decidedly personified by this pinnacle grand cru offering.
A Vintage Worth its Weight in Oenological Gold
Those familiar with my work understand my predilection for a wine's ability to convey a sense of place and time. The 1990 Chambertin Clos-de-Beze is one such marvel; its symphonic composition radiates with the essence of its birth year. Nestled within the Côte de Nuits, the perfumed elegance characteristic of Domaine Armand Rousseau's vinous craft has never been more evident than in this vintage. The sensorial testimony – a mélange of ripened cherries, earthy undertones, and an ethereal hint of truffle – echoes harmoniously within each glass.
Investment Potential: A Worthy Addition to The Cellar
For investors seeking to diversify their portfolios with liquid assets steeped in oeno-history, the 1990 Chambertin Clos-de-Beze Grand Cru presents an opportunity par excellence. With scores that rank amongst the upper echelons of Burgundian achievements, this elixir has proven its value appreciation potential, maturing with grace akin to an old master's painting improving with every gaze.
What truly sets apart this epochal Domaine Armand Rousseau bottle, beyond just its investment allure, is the visceral journey it presents. It retains a vitality and complexity which, even at its venerable age, promises further evolution. The tannins have mellowed yet still provide the architecture upon which everything stands; the finish lingers as though it refuses to retreat into nostalgia.
In summary, the 1990 Chambertin Clos-de-Beze Grand Cru from Domaine Armand Rousseau encapsulates an extraordinary year for Burgundy and is an undoubtedly prudent addition for collectors seeking wines with remarkable storytelling capacity and longevity. This vintage not only captures the timeless beauty crafted by one of Burgundy's most celebrated winemakers but also serves as a liquid testament to an impeccable year for fine winemaking.
Market price (GBP)
£35,910.00
12x75cl
Highest score
90
POP score
3591
Scores and tasting notes
Both the Chambertin-Clos de Beze and Chambertin are more closed, deeper-colored wines than the outstanding Gevery-Chambertin-Clos St.-Jacques. It is often difficult to pick a favorite, but I thought the Chambertin-Clos de Beze to be lower in acidity and more forward. I would suggest cellaring it for 3-4 years, and I am sure it has at least 15 or more years of aging potential. The nose offers up roasted black-cherry and toasty new oak scents. In the mouth, there is outstanding concentration, full body, and a long, rich, moderately tannic finish. 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