Armand Rousseau - Chambertin 'Clos de Bèze' Grand Cru 1990

Tasting note: Armand Rousseau - Chambertin 'Clos de Bèze' Grand Cru 1990

Appearance:
In the glass, this Grand Cru shines in a deep, velvety ruby red with delicate garnet glints on the rim - an indication of its maturity, but without the brownish reflections of older vintages. The clarity is flawless, and only isolated, fine sediments betray its three decades of development.

Bouquet:
The bouquet unfolds with sumptuous grandeur, combining primary and incipient tertiary aromas in an opulent interplay: ripe blackberries, dried cranberries and pomegranate meld with notes of truffle, damp cedar wood and a hint of cloves. An elegant oak note resonates underneath, reminiscent of roasted vanilla pods and fine cigar boxes.

Palate:
The palate reveals a powerful, yet always finesse-rich structure. Juicy acidity and supple, almost silky tannins carry a firework of flavours: dark cherries, cassis, baked plums and a hint of liquorice. In between, earthy nuances of champagne truffle, roasted coffee and a mineral salinity reflecting the volcanic subsoil of the Clos de Bèze unfold. The texture is dense, almost sensual, without ever being heavy.

Finish:
The finish is monumental and lingers for minutes, accompanied by echoes of chocolate bitterness, cedar bark and a smoky spiciness. A final flourish of dried rose petals and black tea emphasises the aristocratic complexity of this wine.

Overall impression:
A wine of majestic depth and maturity, combining the sunshine of the legendary 1990 vintage with the cool minerality of the terroir. Armand Rousseau has tamed the heat of the year into a harmonious balance of fruit power, acidity and tannin structure. The wine is in full bloom today - the fruit still shines, while tertiary layers are slowly becoming more dominant. A Burgundy of epochal greatness that epitomises the essence of Chambertin.

Ageing potential:
Under ideal conditions (12-14°C, dark, humid) still storable for 15-25years, but already an overwhelming drinking experience. The next few years will further refine the earthy nuances without completely masking the fruit.

Rating:
★★★★★ (Exceptional) - A timeless masterpiece that immortalises the brilliance of the 1990 vintage and the signature of the Rousseau domaine. A wine for meditation that will awe collectors and connoisseurs alike. Every sip is a piece of Burgundy legend.