Domaine Armand Rousseau   Charmes Chambertin

2011 Charmes-Chambertin

By Domaine Armand Rousseau

2011 Charmes-Chambertin from Domaine Armand Rousseau, Burgundy, France

A sojourn through the vinous realms of Burgundy quite often rewards the oenophile with expressions of Pinot Noir that are enigmatic as they are splendid. The 2011 vintage from the esteemed Domaine Armand Rousseau is an articulate testament to this claim, particularly its Charmes-Chambertin, which offers a fascinating glimpse into the transcendent fusion of terroir and meticulous viticulture.

 

A Vintage Defined by Elegance and Poise

The 2011 vintage in Burgundy stood on the delicate tightrope of climatic unpredictability — a tension captured elegantly within the glass. It was a year when expert intervention was vital to harnessing the idiosyncrasies of nature's temperament. Domaine Armand Rousseau navigated this challenge with aplomb, yielding wines of finesse and balance pertaining particularly to their Charmes-Chambertin.

Upon approach, the 2011 Charmes-Chambertin greets with an intricate bouquet marrying ripe cherries and summer earth, a prelude to the subtle complexities revealed upon tasting. On the palate, waves of red fruits — cranberries intertwined with wild strawberries — dance alongside a grounded minerality, a hallmark of this climat.

 

Craftsmanship Meets Sabrage in Cellared Investment

Owning to Rousseau's heralded winemaking craft, this 2011 expression has both a vivacity that enchants in its relative youth and a scaffolding suiting thoughtful cellaring. Optimised for longevity, it boasts admirable structure — tight-knit but generous tannins suggest prominent harmony over time — positioning it as an asset for any wine investor.

For those contemplating additions to their portfolio of Burgundian masterpieces or connoisseurs seeking outlay in tangible opulence with ripe potential for value appreciation, the 2011 Charmes-Chambertin from Domaine Armand Rousseau is undeniably one such compelling proposition.

The beauty of Burgundy, and particularly that of Domaine Armand Rousseau's offerings, lies in their ability to narrate the subtleties of each season's tale. The 2011 Charmes-Chambertin is a luminary discourse on its unique vintage, standing eloquently amongst peers while proffering depth for contemplation, both sensory and fiscal. In perusing its potential, one grasps an opportunity to partake in both immediate gratification and long-term reverence.

Current market price

$12,620.00

12x75cl

Highest score

90

POP score

756

Scores and tasting notes

90

Tasted blind at the Burgundy 2011 horizontal tasting in Beaune. Rousseau’s Charmes-Chambertin 2011 has an earthy bouquet, just a little stemmy but nicely defined with brambly red fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins and plenty of tertiary fruit, foursquare and a little austere on the saline, angular finish that does improve in the glass. This just needs to find its groove, but there is potential, especially because it performed so exquisitely a few months back.

Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 29 November 2014

Vintage performance