Chambertin Grand Cru 2009 Armand Rousseau

Region: Côte de Nuits                               Vintage: 2009

Appellation: Chambertin Grand Cru      Grape: Pinot Noir

Producer: Eric Rousseau                          Format: 75cl

Gevrey-Chambertin's Grand Cru vineyards are located south of the Gevrey village along the Route des Grand Crus. Chambertin lies between

Latricières-Chambertin and Clos-de-Bèze. Popular beliefs are that a local farmer called Bertin, following on from the success of his neighbours,

the monks of Bèze, planted his land with the same grape variety. This field became known as "Champ de Bertin" and finally Chambertin.

Mid-slope at an altitude of 275 to 300 metres with a surface area of 12.90 hectares, the incline on this east facing plot is considerably less steep

than Clos-de-Bèze. A thin layer of scree and silts covers the vineyard providing good drainage. In the upper section there are white marly soils,

lower down the soil is brown and chalky. Here the bedrock is mainly Prémeaux limestone except for a narrow band of calcaire à entroques that

straddles the Route des Grand Crus.

This is also ultra-pure and densely fruited with notes of anise, mint, wet stone and a sauvage hint that introduces intensely earthy and

mineral-driven big-bodied flavors that are rich, powerful, serious and densely concentrated, all wrapped in a silky, palate staining, explosive

and colossally persistent finish. This is actually relatively expressive and approachable for a young Cham yet the balance and harmony is

present for this to age for decades. A brilliant effort and one of the best vintages ever for this justifiably revered wine.

Tasted: Jan 10, 2012 / Score: 98

Allen Meadows, Burghound.com