2018 Armand Rousseau Clos de Beze Grand Cru

Overview:
Domaine Armand Rousseau stands as a beacon among the revered names of Burgundy, its reputation gleaming alongside the likes of Romanée-Conti, Leflaive, and Jacques Prieur. With a steadfast commitment to excellence, these distinguished estates consistently yield wines of unparalleled quality, reinforcing Burgundy's exalted status in the realm of fine wines.

5 Stars | 96 - 99 points, Jasper Morris, Inside Burgundy
Cyrielle serves this wine last as it takes longer to eat its oak. A little bit of reduction related to the oak does indeed show. The barrel also expresses its tannins a little more forcefully at the finish. But these are details which will not affect the long term majesty of this wine which is showing an almost austere concentration of fruit. A marvellous wine but I do not think it will quite challenge the Chambertin. Tasted Nov 2019.

18.5+ / 20 points, Jancis Robinson
A hint of vanilla sweetness on the fragrant dark fruit here. All in harmony but less singular than the Clos St-Jacques or the Ruchottes. Dark with a mineral finesse that is reflected on the palate in dry tannins and a touch of dark chocolate from the oak. But the oak has done nothing to hide the elegance here.

96 - 98 points, William Kelley, The Wine Advocate
The 2018 Chambertin-Clos de Bèze Grand Cru was more extroverted during my visit to the Rousseau cellars this year, exhibiting a rich and complex bouquet of smoked meats, ripe cherries, cassis, woodsmoke, nori, blackberries and dark chocolate, framed by a lavish application of cedary new oak. It's full-bodied, fleshy and enveloping, with a ripe core of fruit, powdery tannins and a long, palate-staining finish. The Clos de Bèze is more immediate and dramatic than this year's Chambertin.