Gevrey-Chambertin Clos Saint-Jacques 1er Cru 2012 Armand Rousseau

Region: Côte de Nuits                                        Vintage: 2012

Appellation: Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru      Grape: Pinot Noir

Producer: Eric Rousseau                                   Format: 75cl

Clos Saint-Jacques is situated on the Combe de Lavaux hillside just west of the Gevrey-Chambertin village between Lavaux Saint-Jacques and 

Les Cazetiers. Ideally positioned on a steep south/south-east facing slope at an altitude of 290 to 350 metres with 6.70 hectares under vine.

It is enclosed by stone walls along three sides (the true definition of a Clos) and there are five owners who each have parcels that run from    

top to bottom, essential for consistent quality. The geology is complex with numerous transverse faults and different base rock components.   

In the highest part the soils are shallow and very stony, but going down the slope they gradually become deeper, finer-grained and less stony.

Clos Saint-Jacques was classified as a Première Cuvée by Dr. Jules Lavalle in 1855 and having been omitted from the 1930's AOC classification

for Grand Cru status it is still regarded by producers as the equivalent of a Grand Cru. 

There is a deft touch of wood to the reluctant but ultra-elegant essence of red pinot fruit, floral elements and wet stone scents. 

This is splendidly well-detailed with a terrific sense of underlying tension adding energy to the medium weight flavors that brim    

with a fine minerality before culminating in a balanced and stunningly long finish. This ageworthy effort is the most refined wine    

among these four 2012's and dances across the palate. In a word, dazzling. 

Tasted: Jan 15, 2015 / Score: 95 / Outstanding

Allen Meadows, Burghound.com