Domaine Armand Rousseau   Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru Clos Saint Jacques

1996 Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Clos-Saint-Jacques

By Domaine Armand Rousseau

1996 Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Clos-Saint-Jacques from Domaine Armand Rousseau, Burgundy

Embarking upon a sensory expedition with the 1996 Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Clos-Saint-Jacques from Domaine Armand Rousseau, one encounters an embodiment of viticultural mastery paired with a stellar vintage. This wine hails from a year marked by a cool growing season, with a late harvest contributing to its signature depth and complexity. Even after all these years, it exhibits an astonishing vibrancy and tenacity that speaks volumes of its prestigious origins.

 

Investing in Elegance: A Vintage Defined by Precision

In the investment landscape, few crus command the esteem and allure of Gevrey-Chambertin's finest. The 1996 Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Clos-Saint-Jacques illustrates how a Burgundy can evolve into a cornerstone for discerning collectors. Its precise balance intertwines robustness with elegance, a characteristic amplified by Rousseau's deft craftsmanship.

 

Capturing the Essence of '96

The vintage's moderate temperatures and extended ripening period granted a purveyor of Pinot Noir such as Rousseau the opportunity to sculpt a wine of profound structure and longevity. What strikes one immediately is the purity of fruit on the nose, redolent of cherries and ripe strawberries, layered with an earthy minerality emblematic of its terroir. On the palate, this wine delivers firm tannins mellowed into a silken texture over time, carrying hints of licorice and blackcurrant that segue into an enduring finish.

As one savours the finesse inherent in this vintage, it becomes evident why investor interest has remained undiminished. It is the articulate expression of its climatic year - cooler than many but begetting wines of pronounced aromatic concentration and poise - that positions the 1996 Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Clos-Saint-Jacques as one to invest in with confidence.

In conclusion, exploring the subtle nuances and profound complexity of this wine from Domaine Armand Rousseau, it not only thrills the connoisseur but also promises continued appreciation as a collectable asset. A true embodiment of Burgundy's capacity for majestic aging, each sip verifies its stature within a curated investment portfolio.

Market price (USD)

$20,000.00

12x75cl

Highest score

96

POP score

1023.75

Scores and tasting notes

96

I have long considered the 1996 Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Clos Saint-Jacques from Armand Rousseau to be a brilliant wine, though it is a few years since we last met. Here, it had a broody and surprisingly youthful bouquet: dark berry fruit, juniper berries, briary and sous-bois aromas. Captivating...but serious! The palate is medium-bodied with that impressive fruit concentration although it has clearly mellowed in recent years. There remains a firmness and an obduracy, yet also wondrous harmony and compose, almost effortless in nature as it gently fans out on the finish. As I said before, this has a long future. Tasted November 2016.

Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 28 February 2017

Vintage performance