Firstly a kind thank-you to Hugh for opening this one – an unexpected treat. It was decanted for 2 hours, but in hindsight, this was nowhere near enough.
Initially very oaky, so it was shuffled off in to quarantine for another hour. With time, some smoky red fruits emerged, creamy oak but really locked up tight. With more time, still big big oak, cloves and caramel. I think the wine is like an iceberg, a small part of its potential revealed, but underneath there is an immensity of promise unseen. At the end of the evening, six hours later it maybe just starting to express itself.
Now I know it’s a relatively easy call with a Rousseau Chambertin, but we are now firmly convinced – this wine needs a heap more time, 5 years minimum. You can open them early, at say 2 to 3 years of age, but they will close down eventually, and when they do it is game-over. So this is the last of the 02 Rousseau Grand Crus that we are going to open, promise. Let this be a warning to you all – 92 points at the moment, but with the potential to go much higher much later.
Rated : 92 Points
Tasted : Feb06
Alcohol : 13.0%
Price : $350
Closure : Cork
Drink : 2011 – 2021
Source : Dinner Host
Website : Domaine Rousseau