Chambertin Clos de Beze 2010 Armand Rousseau

Avis professionnels

Robert Parker (95)

The 2010 Chambertin-Clos de Beze bursts from the glass with an exciting melange of blackberries, cassis, graphite, violets and exotic spices. The Beze is the most exuberant wine in the Rousseau lineup. Black cherries, spices and licorice develop in the glass, adding considerable weight and texture as the wine continues to flesh out. Firm, massive tannins provide the perfect foil for the exuberant fruit. Today the Beze is massive, but it should be spectacular once the tannins start melting away. Anticipated maturity: 2025-2050.

My visit with Eric Rousseau was one of the highlights of my fall trip. The 2010s are fabulous from top to bottom. Rousseau started picking on September 22. The fruit saw about four days of cold soak followed by a cuvaison that lasted anywhere from 15 to 21 days, depending on the wine. I was equally thrilled with the 2009s I tasted from bottle. I will have more on those wines in our April issue.