Domaine Georges Roumier   Ruchottes Chambertin

2006 Ruchottes Chambertin

By Domaine Georges Roumier

2006 Ruchottes Chambertin from Domaine Georges Roumier, Burgundy, France

Each vintage carries its own narrative, woven into the terroir-inspired tapestries that the most esteemed wine houses offer. The 2006 Ruchottes Chambertin from Domaine Georges Roumier tells a particularly intriguing story, reflective of an unyielding commitment to viticultural excellence amidst the climatic opus of its year.

 

Singular Vintage, Profound Expression

An emblematic portrayal of the delicate dance between nature and nurture manifests within every bottle of the 2006 Ruchottes Chambertin. A year noted for its climatic inconsistencies, where winemakers were tested by an oscillating growing season, some producers faltered, but not Domaine Georges Roumier. Mastery shone through in their ability to harness these challenges and yield a vintage with a depth as deep as Burgundy's venerable soil.

 

Structured Elegance: An Analytic Perusal

The 2006 vintage is decidedly less flamboyant than its immediate predecessors, diverging with a resolute structural backbone that betokens longevity and a connoisseur’s patience for poise. As one assesses its clear, ruby-hued liquid, eminent scents of cherry alongside whispers of forest floor and subtle spices, are masterfully ensconced in its bouquet. The palate greets us with opulent layers, a testament to the exceptional vinification intrinsic to the domain that harmonises ripe tannins with a refreshing acidity.

For fine wine investors looking at acquiring not just a bottle, but indeed a piece of Burgundian artistry, the 2006 Ruchottes Chambertin from Domaine Georges Roumier presents an opportunity steeped in potential. Its current mature stage caters to immediate gratification whilst further cellaring could reveal additional facets of this complex mosaic.

 

Concluding Notes on a Unique Terroir Symphony

The assurance with which the 2006 Ruchottes Chambertin from Domaine Georges Roumier asserts its place in any seasoned investor's portfolio lies in both its singularity and storied provenance. In investing circles where exclusivity paired with historical climactic narrative adds to allure—this wine stands out as an enlightened choice, carrying with it echoes of a remarkable vintage warmly encased in newfound tradition.

Market price (GBP)

£11,210.00

12x75cl

Highest score

91

POP score

1019.09

Scores and tasting notes

91

Decidedly well-hung notes of game first reach the nose from Roumier's 2006 Ruchottes-Chambertin, although sweetly ripe raspberry and cherry come flooding after. A balance between fruit and gaminess is maintained on the palate, and unlike the Charmes, this is polished in texture, if not notably transparent to nuance. The finish here is quite powerful in fact, carrying with it a hint of heat. More intriguing complexity emerges as this takes on air - one of several hints that it's still a bit reduced - and I suspect that in addition to short-term evolution it needs 2-3 years in bottle to show at its best, after which it should remain worth following for at least a half dozen more. Rigorous triage - along with Christophe Roumier's seemingly intuitive sense for the limits and potential of the vintage - have resulted in a set of 2006s here that are youthfully generous, but in the best instances will be well worth cellaring. The fermentative regimen and elevage (including no racking until assemblage, to maximize contact with lees convey both fat and structure; yet early bottling to preserve fruit) were tailored to the vintage, whereas the regimen of new wood was little changed from other recent years, meaning around one-third for the premier crus. Stems were selectively included, up to something over one-third in the grand crus. I tasted these wines from barrel at 14 months and again from bottle at 18, and they had in most instances both gained textural allure as well as structure and refined their flavors, clearly demonstrating the success of Roumier's strategy. Importer: Diageo Chateau and Estate Wines Company, New York, NY; tel. (212) 419-1400

David Schildknecht - The Wine Advocate, 21 December 2009

Vintage performance