Domaine Armand Rousseau Charmes Chambertin Grand Cru 2011 750ml

The 2011 Chambertin Grand Cru is consistent with the previous bottle that I tasted blind in 2014, although I find no reduction now. I maintain that it is a little more feral than other recent vintages with black plum, leather and sous-bois, displaying more amplitude than before. The palate is well balanced but backward, very well structured for a 2011 with tertiary notes mixed with tobacco surfacing towards the finish, that gently keeps rollin’ and rollin’ across the senses. Marvellous, but give it another couple of years. Tasted at Bistro de l’Hôtel in Beaune.

• Country: France
• Region: Burgundy
• Appellation: Cote De Nuits
• Sub Appellation: Charmes Chambertin
• Size: 750ml
• Color: Red

Varietal

Pinot Noir

Regularly described as being the grape varietal responsible for producing the world’s most romantic wines, Pinot Noir has long been associated with elegance and a broad range of flavors The name means ‘black pine’ in French, and this is due to the fact that the fruit of this particular varietal is especially dark in color, and hangs in a conical shape, like that of a pine cone. Despite being grown today in almost every wine producing country, Pinot Noir is a notoriously difficult grape variety to cultivate. This is because it is especially susceptible to various forms of mold and mildew, and thrives best in steady, cooler climates. However, the quality of the fruit has ensured that wineries and vintners have persevered with the varietal, and new technologies and methods have overcome many of the problems it presents. Alongside this, the wide popularity and enthusiasm for this grape has ensured it will remain a firm favorite amongst wine drinkers for many years to come.