1998 Domaine Armand Rousseau, Chambertin-Clos de Beze Grand Cru 1x75cl

Neal Martin 92

The 1998 Chambertin Clos de Beze Grand Cru is remarkably youthful in colour (I confess to guess it to be just 4 or 5 years old!) It has quite precocious blue and red fruit on the nose, again, quite unevolved, as if refusing to let go of its primary fruit. The palate is well structured but maybe lacks a bit of grip. Smooth in texture with hints of cassis that tincture the red fruit, this is a thoroughly enjoyable Rousseau albeit one that is missing a bit of breeding. Tasted at Mere restaurant in London with Mr. V. [Neal Martin, 14/05/2019]

Anticipated maturity: 2019-2032

Wine Advocate 95

Tasted blind at the Arches, another sublime Clos de Beze from Rousseau that is a masterclass in poise rather than power. Wonderful, life-affirming purity on the nose that is simply pure Pinot Noir, that essence of transparency and clarity. The palate is beautifully balanced with superb acidity, very feminine and lithe with ultra-fine tannins leading to a succinct mineral-rich finish that does not have great length, but is refined and delectable. A point. Tasted May 2011. [Neal Martin, 01/05/2011]

JancisRobinson.com 16.0

Gamey, rounder nose than the 1999 in fact though the palate is pretty drying. Rich and round on the end. Second bottle: lots of carbon dioxide. Quite hard work. [01/10/2007]

Anticipated maturity: 2008-2012