Domaine Armand Rousseau   Chambertin Clos de Beze Grand Cru

1996 Chambertin Clos-de-Beze Grand Cru

By Domaine Armand Rousseau

The Sophistication of the 1996 Chambertin Clos-de-Beze Grand Cru from Domaine Armand Rousseau

Exploring the exemplary 1996 vintage from the illustrious Burgundy region, one is compelled to extol the virtues of the Chambertin Clos-de-Beze Grand Cru from Domaine Armand Rousseau. Esteemed among connoisseurs and investors alike, this vintage stands testimonial to a year that graced viticulturists with a propitious climate, forging wines of magnificent structure and longevity.

 

Vintage Vitality: A Harvest of Excellence

The climatic conditions that marked 1996 in Burgundy culminated in a harvest that was both challenging yet rewarding. A cool spring transpired into a summer of alluring contrasts – bouts of warmth intercepted by refreshing rains, creating an intricate dance of elements. It was a year where winemakers’ deftness was key, and at Domaine Armand Rousseau, such proficiency was abundant.

 

An Investment in Elegance

To indulge in the 1996 Chambertin Clos-de-Beze from Domaine Armand Rousseau is to taste the nuanced brilliance of a well-invested future. Each sip delivers a kaleidoscope of complex flavours – dark ripe berries fused with earthy undertones and a subtle yet profound minerality, evidence of the sterling terroir. With aging, this Grand Cru reveals supple tannins and an elegant mélange of spice that promises to enhance any discerning investor's portfolio.

Now, as it progresses further into its majestic maturity, this wine asserts itself as not merely a vestige of time but as an artifact of enological mastery. Its potential for appreciation in both value and sensory gratification ensures its position as one of the most investable vintages for those with a keen eye on wine as an asset.

 

Convergence of Time and Talent

As our palates evolve, so too does our appreciation for vintages that encapsulate a specific year's travails and triumphs. The 1996 Chambertin Clos-de-Beze Grand Cru from Domaine Armand Rousseau is a testament to such convergence. A beacon for Burgundy enthusiasts, it encapsulates how skilled viniculture intertwined with favourable seasons can yield investments worth cherishing. Consider this captivating vintage a guiding star in the galaxy of fine wines – illuminating the path for collectors and investors drawn to finesse born from the fusion of time and talent.

Current market price

£29,420.00

12x75cl

Highest score

93

POP score

2263.08

Scores and tasting notes

93

The 1996 Chambertin Clos de Beze, here tasted blind, has wonderful delineation on the nose that displays a slightly ferrous scent that becomes accentuated with time. Later, there are suggestions of oxtail and briary. The palate is medium-bodied and is at full maturity, There is an autumnal haze around this Clos de Beze, with a leathery finish that demonstrates good persistency, if not nearly the class of the Chambertin '96. I would drink this over the next decade.

Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 30 October 2014

Vintage performance