Domaine Armand Rousseau   Chambertin Clos de Beze Grand Cru

2013 Chambertin Clos-de-Beze Grand Cru

By Domaine Armand Rousseau

2013 Chambertin Clos-de-Beze Grand Cru from Domaine Armand Rousseau, Burgundy, France

A reflection of its prestigious terroir, the 2013 Chambertin Clos-de-Beze Grand Cru from Domaine Armand Rousseau encapsulates the resilience and delicate nuances birthed by a year of viticultural hurdles. Weather patterns in 2013 Burgundy traced the narrative of challenge and triumph, with an especially prolonged winter and a cool, damp summer causing a delayed budbreak but, ultimately, yielding grapes of rich complexity.

 

Vintage of Patience and Precision

Against the backdrop of meticulous care by Domaine Armand Rousseau, this storied vintage mirrors the diligence required to master these capricious climatic spells. The extra vigilance resulted in a harvest that commenced later than usual, giving rise to depth and subtlety in the 2013 Chambertin Clos-de-Beze Grand Cru that is profoundly articulate.

The virtue of patience is eloquently expressed through a palate dance of red currant and dark berry fruits amidst a tapestry woven with fine silk tannins. Undercurrents of wet earth and a whisper of spice suggest a delicate conversation between land and grape – an embodiment of Rousseau's intimate understanding of their historic plots.

 

Resilient Grapes, Remarkable Investment

The stamina exhibited by both vine and vigneron positions the 2013 Chambertin Clos-de-Beze Grand Cru as an opportune investment for enthusiasts seeking wines with a story to tell. The discernible minerality anchoring its profile invites contemplation – a parallel to the contemplative nature of its creation.

A wise addition to any portfolio, this wine juxtaposes its vintage adversities with an expression of elegance and potential longevity. Those with seasoned palate will appreciate its evolving layers over time, as it unfurls to reveal even more of its Burgundian soul.

An informed acquisition of the 2013 Chambertin Clos-de-Beze Grand Cru from Domaine Armand Rousseau is thus not merely an investment in fine wine but rather a stake in liquid history – one best savoured with strategic foresight.

Current market price

$41,940.00

12x75cl

Highest score

95

POP score

1680

Scores and tasting notes

95

Tasted blind at the Burgfest tasting in Beaune, the 2013 Chambertin Clos de Bèze Grand Cru was showing some reduction on the nose that was difficult to shake off, though there appears to be sufficient fruit underneath. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, a more conservative Clos de Bèze in some ways, but it demonstrates impressive precision as it fans out with gusto towards the finish. Give this 5-6 years in bottle to address the reduction issue and then I believe this will turn into an exemplary Grand Cru. Tasted September 2016.

Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 30 November 2016

Vintage performance