From a Delectable library photo. This is the 2015 vintage. Sweeter aromatics compared to the 2015 Echezeaux. An even more gorgeous scented nose. That sweetness carries through to the medium bodied palate. A little more flesh and density. The old vine fruit averaging 55 years. The name however does not imply greater quality over the Echezeaux. Jasper Morris MW has sometimes preferred Echezeaux to Grands Echezeaux in a given vintage. “Interestingly the vineyard is east facing with a thickish layer of well drained clay soil above the same downwash subsoil of Bajocian limestone as Le Musigny - a characteristic not shared by the rest of Echezeaux. This can impart a fuller texture to the wines of Grands Echezeaux over its neighbour as well as a greater consistency from one vintage to the next.” sourced from Inside Burgundy by Jasper Morris MW. — 8 days ago
This was open, expressive with red cherry, berry, earth, spice, mineral & violet — 6 days ago
1996 Domaine Armand Rousseau Clos de la Roche Grand Cru
Clos de la Roche, situated in Morey-Saint-Denis, is the most renowned and the largest Grand Cru vineyard of the village. Its terroir is consequently exceptional, yielding wines with striking acidity, remarkable concentration, and a structure that is powerful yet displays extraordinarily refined tannins. It is often considered one of Burgundy's most compelling wines, masterfully combining power with elegance.
The style neither mirrors the robust, muscular, and overtly powerful character typical of its northern neighbour, Gevrey-Chambertin, nor does it precisely replicate the extreme perfume, elegance, and delicacy that define its southern neighbour, Chambolle-Musigny. Instead, Clos de la Roche is the quintessential synthesis of strength and finesse—boasting a solid backbone alongside intricate depth of aroma and texture. Thanks to its pronounced acidity, one should not open a bottle without allowing for at least 15 years of ageing.
Upon opening, after 30 minutes the nose offered aromas of ripe black cherry, wild strawberry, sour plum, rose, and violet. After an hour, further notes of truffle, forest floor, leather, and spice developed. However, the minerality I expected remained elusive.
The bottle's condition was unfortunately not optimal. It lacked the sustained aromatic evolution and explosive bouquet I had anticipated. This fatigue and muted character were likely a result of its shipment from the United States. — 19 days ago
In Sydney for a Burgundy dinner about 6 weeks ago. Only posting my sketchy notes now. Our host rated this 2015 as better than the 2005 as regards colour flesh and persistence of flavour. Ripe raspberry fruit. DRC has practiced biodynamics since 1990 in this vineyard. Oak spice noticeable. Very early in its drinking window which is 2022 to 2042. — 9 days ago
Initial aromas of oak which largely blew off with air. Savoury red fruits. Almost palate staining in its intensity A rich generous palate with great persistence. Combottes is literally surrounded by Grand Crus in Clos de la Roche, Latricieres Chambertin, and Charmes Chambertin. Had this a week ago with Duck. One of the 1001 Wines. My son, who works in New York bought this at Sotheby’s for me and brought it home in December 2013 for Christmas of that year. — 9 days ago
Medium dark rubi robe, nose of dark cherries, spices and a hit of cloves and flowers. Oh so good in the mouth, medium bodied, complex, flowery and with some vanilla from the barriques. Fantastic. Roumier has gotten better over the years. — 3 days ago
1999 vintage. Some frequent guests brought this in and were worried about it having held up. In my experience, this decidedly, old-school producer needs more time than the average bear to come around and show well. Nice fill and great cork. Decanted and tasted after 20 minutes. Throwing a bit of sludgy/powdery sed but very manageable. Slight amount of funk on the nose that blew off within minutes. Wine was a tad flat at the onset but gained strength in the decanter/glass with more oxygen. The fruit, thankyouforasking, was just dandy. Tannins, while still evident, were functioning more like an omniscient narrator. Ridiculous, deep, like just bottled color to this wine. So ridiculous, had to check several times with different lighting/backgrounds to make sure it wasn't my imagination. Beautiful, older premier cru red Burg experience. 9.14.25. — 18 days ago
Bob McDonald
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. — 8 days ago