The 2012 Domaine Armand Rousseau Chambertin Clos de Bèze Grand Cru Pinot Noir is an impressive wine from the renowned Burgundy region of France, specifically from the Cote de Nuits sub-region within the Gevrey Chambertin appellation. This red wine, made from Pinot Noir grapes, has received high praise from wine critics for its complexity and potential for aging.
Burghound awarded this vintage a remarkable score of 97, highlighting its "highly spiced and exceptionally fresh, ripe and airy nose." The review notes a diverse array of aromas, including red berries, plum, cassis, lavender, and oak. The wine's "broad-shouldered flavors" are complemented by a "seductive texture," with the dry extract masking the "very firm tannic spine." Burghound appreciates the wine's concentration and vibrancy, describing it as "very, very dry in the best sense of the term," and predicts that the 2012 vintage could eventually rank among the greats for this esteemed wine.
Similarly, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate also rated the wine 97, with Neal Martin describing it as "scintillating" and "effervescent." The review praises the wine's nose, where the new oak is "beautifully interwoven" with red cherry, raspberry, and pomegranate scents, creating "wonderful definition." The palate is described as "very well balanced" with "well judged acidity," which complements the structured red berry fruit. Martin concludes that this wine is "quite brilliant" and is best suited for long-term aging.
Overall, the 2012 Domaine Armand Rousseau Chambertin Clos de Bèze Grand Cru Pinot Noir is a wine of exceptional quality, with both reviewers emphasizing its complexity, balance, and potential for longevity. This is a wine that is expected to develop beautifully over time and is a notable example of the esteemed Chambertin Clos de Bèze terroir.