2011 Domaine Armand Rousseau Chambertin-Clos de Bèze Grand Cru

The 2011 Chambertin Clos-de-Bèze Grand Cru just has its nose in front when compared directly against the 2011 Chambertin. The oak influence that was conspicuous in its youth is not fully assimilated and there is real brightness, a little more precision on the nose. Red cherries, cassis, hints of dark chocolate combine beautifully here. There is a touch of spiciness on the palate, armed with clove and light tobacco secondary notes that lend another dimension on the complex and persistent finish. Superb. Tasted at Bistro de l'Hôtel in Beaune.

The 2011 Chambertin-Clos de Bèze is refined, silky and expressive. This is an especially understated, lifted Bèze that speaks to finesse rather than power, with a bit more red-toned fruit and overall brightness than is typically the case. Scents of rose petal, anise, savory herbs and mint add nuance throughout, while veins of underlying salinity extend the finish. The 2011 Bèze impresses with its energy and poise, but it also shows a slightly vegetal note that has not been present in previous tastings.

Tasted blind at the Burgundy 2011 horizontal tasting in Beaune. The Chambertin Clos de Bèze 2011 from Rousseau was showing too much wood when I tasted it just after bottling. Whereas some 2011s from Rousseau seem to have been handicapped by that, others like this have shrugged it off. Here, it has a more generous bouquet compared to its peers, armed with lush red cherries, strawberry and cassis. The oak vanillin is noticeable but synced with the fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with a plush texture. There is very good depth here and arresting purity – red cherries strawberry and candied orange peel that segue into a citrus fresh and vibrant finish with plenty of energy and race. Superb.