Domaine Georges Roumier   Ruchottes Chambertin

2016 Ruchottes Chambertin

By Domaine Georges Roumier

2016 Ruchottes Chambertin from Domaine Georges Roumier, Burgundy

In the pantheon of Burgundy's fine vintages, the 2016 harvest in Côte de Nuits presented challenges that yielded wines of remarkable pedigree. Among these, the 2016 Ruchottes Chambertin from Domaine Georges Roumier speaks of both triumph and terroir. One must marvel at how a year marked by frost and uneven weather can result in such eloquent testimony to the resilience of Pinot Noir.

 

Distinguished Pedigree: A Symbiosis of Earth and Artistry

The serenade of Roumier's mastery over the hardships of 2016 culminates in a wine alive with dynamic tension and grace. This particular vintage narrates a story where pristine fruit met exacting vinification, resulting in an opus that not only thrills collectors but captures the interest of keen investors. The integration of tannins in this vintage is impeccably managed, unveiling a texture akin to fine silk—taut yet yielding.

 

A Vintage Defined by Concentration and Complexity

The low yields of 2016 caressed by the skilled hands at Domaine Georges Roumier have bestowed upon us a wine brimming with concentration. On the nose, one finds an intricate mélange of crushed berries, with hints of earthy forest floor and delicate spice that thrill with complexity. Raptors circling above windswept vines seem embedded into its layers: a testament to its wild heart tempered by nuanced sophistication.

Upon tasting, the palate encounters a synchrony of red fruit and undercurrents of minerality—a reflection of Ruchottes Chambertin's noble soils. The finish is prolonged, carried forth by a chorus of elegance and intense purity, singing long after the last sip has vanished.

In recapitulation, investors seeking to augment their collection with an embodiment of Burgundy’s resilient beauty need look no further than the 2016 Ruchottes Chambertin from Domaine Georges Roumier. Its transformation in the cellar promises to be as rewarding financially as it will be sensorially—a confluence of astute investment and profound pleasure. This vintage stands as a sterling exemplar of Burgundy’s tenacity in adversity, encapsulating both rarity and remarkable potential for maturation.

Current market price

£11,760.00

12x75cl

Highest score

93

POP score

904.62

Scores and tasting notes

92-94

The 2016 Ruchottes-Chambertin Grand Cru is labelled under Christophe's own name as usual. He told me that it was impacted by around 20% by the frost, unlike Mugneret-Gibourg or Rousseau’s that were both spared. Christophe posited that this might be due to the weeds between the rows exacerbating frost damage. It has a tightly wound bouquet at first, very mineral-driven, with cold limestone permeating the pure dark berry fruit. There is just a very slight shrillness here. The palate is medium-bodied with a strong saline influence right from the beginning. It has a firm and almost foursquare structure, and yet there is outstanding focus. Quibbling, it is not quite as persistent as the 2015 Ruchottes-Chambertin last year, then again, you are not going to refuse any, if offered.

Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 29 December 2017

Vintage performance