2016

Chambertin "Clos de Bèze"

Grand Cru

Domaine Armand Rousseau

Description

2016 Chambertin-Clos de Bèze Grand Cru Domaine Armand Rousseau

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2016 Chambertin Clos de Bèze Grand Cru was showing just a little more reduction than the Chambertin this year, though it seems to dissipate and reveal profoundly complex dark berry and sous-bois scents, hints of truffle, bay leaf and clove. However, the palate clearly has more density and more robust tannins that together suggest it is endowed with greater longevity than the Chambertin. There is a crescendo of flavors here, remaining very focused, very intense with darker fruit fanning out on the finish that is akin to major chord thundering from a grand piano. This is an aristocratic, blue-blooded Clos de Bèze that deserves a decade in the cellar, within touching distance of the imperious 2015 Clos de Bèze.(NM)

Allen Meadows - Burghound
Here too there is just enough wood in evidence to mention on the gorgeously spiced and intricately layered aromas of essence of red currant, floral, plum, earth and a whisper of the sauvage. Once again the mouthfeel of the notably more imposingly-scaled flavors is sleek with excellent minerality that really comes up on the super-saline finish that goes on and on. But what I really admire about the '16 Bèze is the texture because it's at once muscular yet highly seductive and refined. This is a very, very powerful wine that is seriously impressive in every respect. In a word, brilliant.

Wine Spectator
This is lush and harmonious, featuring kirsch, macerated cherry, blackberry, violet and spice flavors. A fruity style, with lively acidity and a heady finish. Impressive, yet approachable at this stage, with a solid grip of tannins emerging at the end. Best from 2021 through 2038.