Bob McDonald

9.8

Another stunning Chambertin from the Burgundy dinner in Sydney 6 weeks ago. An absolutely gorgeous nose. Interestingly 100% new oak but the powerful fruit just swallows it. A little Animale/Feral note which adds interest. The medium plus bodied palate shows a savoury and sinewy texture. This has got the lot and still with a long window up to the early 2040s. Surpassed the 2002 in my book. — 14 days ago

Vino Joe

9.6

Focused intensity. Peach honey and sweet pear in a tight punchy joy. First time with this champagne and I loved it. — 11 days ago

Ron Siegel

9.4

Great vintage for Pavie where the 98 right banks are drinking beautifully. This had layers of red & black fruits, spice box, graphite, damp earth, leather & tobacco — 18 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.3

Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (72%), Merlot (19%), Cabernet Franc (6%) and Petite Verdot (3%). Dark garnet/ruby/purple/black color. Aromas of ripe black fruit, rose petals, cigar box and smoked meat. Flavors of blackberry, black currant and black plum fruit with additional hints of tobacco, black olives and cloves. Long lasting velvety finish. Full bodied with noticeable (but well integrated) tannins. Beautiful freshness. Rich and powerful but so well balanced. Consistently outstanding vintage after vintage. Could continue to age for decades! — 10 days ago

John Van Trijp

9.7

Double Magnum. Still very fresh — 5 days ago

romo

9.6

Impressively knit and proudly firm. A rare treat that is magically sound and correct. An ambivalence insists it has some years left. Scary. — 5 days ago

Conrad Green

9.3

Beautiful and precise. Stone and orchard fruit. A pinch of salinity. very pure and delicate. — 10 days ago

with Matt and Paul

Conrad Green

9.6

bright and sharp. Lemon and slate. Dazzling and pretty — 11 hours ago

with Matt and Paul

Conrad Green

9.5

Margaux- soft plummy fruit. Rounded and supple with dark cherry and hints of violet. Harmonious, gorgeous and complete — 11 hours ago

with Matt and Paul

Her Mir Tage

9.0

Domaine Armand Rousseau Père & Fils Chambertin-Clos de Bèze Grand Cru 2012

For my first time tasting Domaine Armand Rousseau Père & Fils Chambertin-Clos de Bèze, the sommelier said that if Chambertin is the King, then this wine, Clos de Bèze, is the Queen. The 2012 vintage is relatively easy to approach and didn't require a very long decanting time—two hours was sufficient.

The 2012 growing season was quite challenging, with a severe cold spring, but the summer was warm and hot. As a result, the fruit profile of this wine is quite expressive.

For the first hour, the reduction notes were very strong. It only started to open up in the second hour. The aroma is quite elegant. Since we were dining at a restaurant, the sommelier was very meticulous in controlling the temperature of the glassware, adjusting the wine's condition to a optimal state.

I didn't get very exuberant fruit notes. The overall state of the wine was restrained and elegant—like a lady around 30 years old. Not only is her beauty present, but there's also a feeling of poise and steadiness. Everything was in balance: the aromas, flavours, and acidity.

Notes of cherry, blackberry, liquorice sweetness, a hint of mint, and some dried flowers. There was a slightly creamy texture on the palate. The body was rounded but not quite what I would call voluptuous.

I didn't find any particularly stunning or breathtaking flavours or aromas. I can only say that this wine's performance was... correct. I had originally hoped for more complex layers, but unfortunately, I felt its expression was relatively simple, not very complex. It was just quite elegant and graceful.

This wine is exceedingly expensive. For a similar quality presentation, I believe there are other options at perhaps half the price that could deliver a comparable experience. — a month ago