Domaine Armand Rousseau   Chambertin Clos de Beze Grand Cru

2010 Chambertin Clos-de-Beze Grand Cru

By Domaine Armand Rousseau

2010 Chambertin Clos-de-Beze Grand Cru from Domaine Armand Rousseau, Burgundy, France

Amidst the idyllic realm of Burgundy, the 2010 Chambertin Clos-de-Beze Grand Cru from Domaine Armand Rousseau emerges as an exemplar of vinous craftsmanship. This particular vintage is renowned for its precocious balance and articulate expression of the revered terroir intrinsic to the Clos-de-Beze appellation. With four decades enlivened by the subtle dance of vintages, I have observed few that so eloquently assert their sense of place.

 

A Timeless Elegance: The 2010 Vintage Embodied

The climatic odyssey of 2010 proved to be a serendipitous narrative for Burgundy's viticulturists—with challenges metamorphosing into virtues for those with the savoir-faire to navigate nature's caprice. Thanks to such mastery, the 2010 rendition from Domaine Armand Rousseau articulates the luminosity of its provenance with an intellectual finesse. It holds not merely a mirror to its climatic ancestry but weaves a complex tapestry of flavour and aroma that is inherently 'Clos-de-Beze'.

An intimate encounter with this wine reveals a veritable mosaic of sensorial delight. It caresses the palate with lithe tannins and a fleshy yet delineated fruit core—red cherries intertwined with whispers of blackberries and an undercurrent of refined earthiness. To an informed palate, each sip is akin to perusing a gallery of olfactory and gustatory artistry, each layer more compelling than the last.

 

An Astute Acquisition for Discerning Collectors

For investors in fine wine, the 2010 Chambertin Clos-de-Beze Grand Cru from Domaine Armand Rousseau beckons as an astute addition to one’s portfolio. Its structural integrity suggests remarkable longevity while its current stage promises poised enjoyment—a duality that only compounds its allure. This Grand Cru, thus, commands attention both as a liquid asset and a subject of sensorial adulation.

As one contemplates the myriad investments in the sphere of fine wine, it becomes evident that the 2010 vintage from this esteemed producer stands among an elite cadre deserving focus—a reflection not only of its immediate allure but also its nascent potential to unfurl sophistication over time.

Current market price

$56,620.00

12x75cl

Highest score

95

POP score

2268

Scores and tasting notes

94-96

The 2010 Chambertin-Clos de Beze bursts from the glass with an exciting melange of blackberries, cassis, graphite, violets and exotic spices. The Beze is the most exuberant wine in the Rousseau lineup. Black cherries, spices and licorice develop in the glass, adding considerable weight and texture as the wine continues to flesh out. Firm, massive tannins provide the perfect foil for the exuberant fruit. Today the Beze is massive, but it should be spectacular once the tannins start melting away. Anticipated maturity: 2025-2050. My visit with Eric Rousseau was one of the highlights of my fall trip. The 2010s are fabulous from top to bottom. Rousseau started picking on September 22. The fruit saw about four days of cold soak followed by a cuvaison that lasted anywhere from 15 to 21 days, depending on the wine. I was equally thrilled with the 2009s I tasted from bottle. I will have more on those wines in our April issue. Importer: Frederic Wildman & Sons, New York, NY; tel. (212) 355-0700

Antonio Galloni - The Wine Advocate, 22 December 2011

Vintage performance