Domaine Armand Rousseau   Charmes Chambertin

2016 Charmes-Chambertin

By Domaine Armand Rousseau

2016 Charmes-Chambertin from Domaine Armand Rousseau, Burgundy, France

In the mosaic of Burgundy's prestigious terroirs, certain producers and their parcels emerge as beacons of viticultural artistry. Among such luminaries stands Domaine Armand Rousseau, whose renditions of Charmes-Chambertin are the stuff of wine lore. The 2016 vintage, in particular, manifests a splendid storytelling of this climat's intricate narrative, woven through an extraordinary season.

 

A Climatic Ballet: The Stage for Excellence

The growing season leading to the 2016 harvest was nothing short of dramatic, pitting vignerons against nature's sombre mood swings. A frost-stricken start, hailstorms and mildew fears tested the mettle of every vine. Yet, as if by theatrical resolve, summer's clement sequel yielded a triumph over adversity. It is this distinct climatic ballet that has chiselled the 2016 Charmes-Chambertin from Domaine Armand Rousseau into an admirable study in resiliency and grace.

 

Vintage Valour: A Taste of Tenacity

Swirling in the glass, this gem exudes regal aromas: blackcurrant refrain meets whispers of earthy truffle and violets. On indulging in a sip, one discovers that the 2016 vintage has channelled its climatic challenges into layers of complex flavours—an alchemy turning trials into treasures. Strikingly pure red fruits dance alongside finessed tannins, while judicious oak supports without overwhelming—hallmarks of the Rousseau craftsmanship.

For aficionados and investors alike, each sip offers an expressive vignette of the vintage’s tenacity. As one delves deeper into this wine's depths, they bear witness to a poised mingling of power and delicacy—a symphony orchestrated under adversity's conduct.

 

A Fortuitous Affinity for Investors

The afterglow of sampling this vintage is punctuated by its investment potential, shining forth as one contemplates the storied evolution in the bottle. For those seeking to diversify with tangible assets such as fine wine, the 2016 Charmes-Chambertin from Domaine Armand Rousseau stands as an alluring proposition—a wine to both delight epitomising palates and gratify discerning portfolios.

When one fathoms the rarity brought forth by 2016’s challenges allied to Rousseau's relentless pursuit of perfection, it becomes clear that this year’s offering is set apart in history's tapestry. With singular character born from a vintage of fortitude, it emerges as a beacon for those who invest not only in wine but in stories and legacies.

Current market price

£10,400.00

12x75cl

Highest score

92

POP score

866.67

Scores and tasting notes

92

The 2016 Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru is another of the more youthfully expressive wines in the range, offering up aromas of ripe cherries, red plums, woodsmoke, dark chocolate and sweet forest floor. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, fleshy and expressive, with fine tannins, tangy acids and a charming core of fruit.

William Kelley - The Wine Advocate, 9 January 2020

Vintage performance