2001 Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Clos-Saint-Jacques
By Domaine Armand Rousseau
2001 Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Clos-Saint-Jacques from Domaine Armand Rousseau, Burgundy, France
Embarking on a sensory voyage with the 2001 Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Clos-Saint-Jacques from Domaine Armand Rousseau, one is immediately enraptured by the grace with which this vintage articulates the quintessence of its venerated terroir. Distinguished by an astute patience, having reached a splendid maturity, it represents a panorama of what seasoned investors and connoisseurs seek in premier Burgundy collectibles.
Facets of Finesse: A Terroir's Tale
The year 2001 stands as a testimony to the resilience and expertise behind Domaine Armand Rousseau, with a mercurial spring giving way to a steadfast and warm summer, laying the groundwork for an exceptional harvest. This vintage exudes a symphony of complexity and poise - characteristics resulting from such vicissitudes of Burgundian clime. One can attest that terroir in this context is not wholly about soil but also the battle against elements - a battle where Rousseau's wines perennially triumph.
Vintage Vitality: A Testament to Time
Tasting the 2001 vintage, its translucent ruby glow belies a depth that unravels layers of marinated cherries, earthy undergrowth, and the faintest hint of truffle - an aromatic dance that beckons from the glass. The first sip reveals a beautifully integrated structure; silken tannins perfectly aligned with a vivacious acidity that conduces an elongated finish, revealing whispers of spice and minerality.
It is in this balance that one realises the deft hand required to manifest such an admirable expression of Pinot Noir while sustaining an alluring freshness after two decades. For devotees of fine wine investment seeking out singular expressions with proven longevity and escalating value, this meticulously nurtured cuvée proves itself as a judicious addition to any discerning portfolio.
Concluding Impressions
Much like the finest tapestries are woven thread by thread, so too does the 2001 Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Clos-Saint-Jacques from Domaine Armand Rousseau encapsulate the intricate canvas of its esteemed provenance. It is my conviction that to invest in such wines is not merely to own a fragment of history but to be part of an enduring legacy. This 2001 offering elucidates why Rousseau's craft captivates collectors worldwide and solidifies my recommendation for inclusion in any significant catalogue.
Market price (GBP)
£11,840.00
12x75cl
Highest score
92
POP score
986.67
Scores and tasting notes
Rousseau's 2001 Grevey-Chambertin 1er Cru Clos Saint-Jacques is a very pretty wine, bursting from the glass with a projected bouquet of rose petal, cassis, red cherry, cedary new oak and sweet forest floor. On the palate, the wine is youthful but expressive, with a sweet, almost candied core of succulent fruit, framed by supple tannins. At first glance, this seems to epitomize Rousseau’s elegant style, but by the time the bottle was finished, the wine had begun to seem just a touch facile and diffuse, missing the intensity and concentration that this bottling can attain.
William Kelley - The Wine Advocate, 31 January 2018