2014 Armand Rousseau, Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru 1x75cl

JancisRobinson.com – 17.5+

Two-thirds Mazoyères. Unusually intense with strong cherry fruit and a great line of pure very ripe fruit. Very gourmand! Long.  [09/11/2015]

Anticipated maturity: 2018-2032

Robert Parker – 90?

“Tasted blind at the Burgfest 2014 tasting, the 2014 Charmes Chambertin Grand Cru has a slightly diffuse bouquet at the moment with redcurrant and raspberry fruit, quite effervescent and vigorous. Touch of brettanomyces? The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin. There is just a touch of chewiness, although it is balanced and will soften with time. It closes in a little toward the pastille-like finish. When this was revealed as Armand Rousseau, I was as surprised as the other tasters in the room that were mostly nonplussed by this Charmes-Chambertin. I put a question mark next to my score, and hopefully another bottle will show as well as it did from barrel. Tasted September 2017.” [31/10/2017]

Vinous – 90-92

(60% Mazoyères and 40% Charmes, combined when the wine goes into barrel): Bright medium red. Brambly aromas of redcurrant, minerals and dried flowers. Tighter in the mouth than the premier crus here, showing less charm and early sweetness but noteworthy intensity and a firm shape. More minerals, dried flowers and earth than primary fruit. Charmes is never an opulent wine here, noted Rousseau, who pulled up some of his "tired old vines" after the 2011 harvest for replanting. Finishes firmly tannic but not dry. Not at all a feminine style of Charmes, no doubt owing to the high percentage of Mazoyères fruit. [Stephen Tanzer, 01/01/2016]

Burghound – 93

Elegant and attractively perfumed aromas speak of red cherry, rose petal, spice and sandalwood nuances. The detailed and highly energetic medium-bodied flavors possess a sleek, even silky mouth feel before culminating in a lingering and ever-so-mildly austere finale. This well-balanced and understated effort is really quite lovely and should drink reasonably well after only 7 to 8 years of bottle age yet repay a dozen plus. [15/01/2017]

Jasper Morris – 91

Medium deep colour, with noticeably paler rim, a touch of reduction, possibly stems too. Sweet crushed strawberry fruit, a touch of dilution, agreeable and with some length but not threatening the leaders. Finishes on sweet fruit though odd reductive notes remain. [01/09/2017]