Armand Rousseau Ruchottes Chambertin Grand Cru Clos des Ruchottes 1999

The Grand Cru vineyard of Ruchottes-Chambertin lies between Mazis and Chambertin. It is made up of three climats: Ruchottes-Hauts, Ruchottes-Bas and Armand Rousseaus monopole, Clos des Ruchottes, featured here. The name comes from the local rocks which are known as ruchots. This cuve is absolutely sublime – a perfect alliance between the finesse of a fine wine and the drinkability of a fruity one. The intense fruitiness of its palate is quite astonishing, evoking cherries soaked in kirsch. A sublime wine to drink after 10-20 years.

The domain was established in 1902 by Armand Rousseau who, when he reached adulthood, inherited several parcels of vines situated in the commune of Gevrey-Chambertin, in Burgundy. Over the years, he continued to expand his domain by purchasing Grands Crus such as Clos de la Roche, Mazis Charmes or even Chambertin. In 1954, he bought the First Growth Clos-Saint-Jacques in the name of his son Charles. It is now Eric, the son of Charles, and grandson of Armand who runs the domain. Producing exclusively red wines, the domain has established itself with its legendary cuves such as Lavaux Saint Jacques or Chambertin as one of Burgundys icons. The most beautiful expressions of Pinot Noir are undoubtedly in these wines.

Critical Acclaim

94 Wine Advocate

The 1999 Clos des Ruchottes is tussling with the 1996 as the best of the decade. Lucid, almost iridescent in color, the bouquet explodes across the sky with voluptuous aromas of cassis, black cherries and vanilla pod. Brilliantly defined and focused, it is utterly beguiling. The palate is very well balanced with silky smooth tannins that just glide across the mouth. Cashmere! It fans out gloriously toward its crescendo with lush plum and blackberry notes, but underneath there is a minerally core to counterbalance the sheer sexiness of this wine. Fabulous, but you need patience to really appreciate it.