Armand Rousseau is one of the most hypnotizing names in the wine world. Try saying it somewhere among connoisseurs and you will witness a respectful silence for a while. Even those who are experienced tasters with a vocabulary to spare will probably feel a lack of epithets when trying to describe what kind of wine this is. Armand Rousseau is almost synonymous with Gevrey-Chambertin.Armand Rousseau and his successors stand out as the principal force behind the reputation of this designation throughout the past four generations. At present, the Rousseau family possesses 15 hectares of vineyards, primarily situated in Gevrey-Chambertin, with a smaller section in Morey-Saint-Denis. 8.5 hectares are classified at the highest level as Grand Cru and a further almost four hectares are classified as Premier Cru. That is an impressive winery from a Burgundy perspective. When Lambier Wines set out to introduce the maximum number of Burgundy Grand Cru vineyards from top-tier wineries, Armand Rousseau was one of the coveted names. "More reasonable price" is exactly how renowned critic James Suckling describes Armand Rousseau's wines
Chambertin Grand Cru
Chambertin spans a total area of 12.9 hectares, and Armand Rousseau holds the largest share, possessing a total of 2.56 hectares. This vineyard consistently produces top-tier wines, not limited to those from Rousseau alone. Another noteworthy mention goes to Domaine Leroy, highly sought after for its 0.5 hectares of Chambertin vines. Domaine Trapet, as the second-largest landowner with 1.9 hectares, also performs exceptionally well. Dugat-Py and Dujac, both of which own just 0.05 hectares each and produce very limited quantities, but are worth monitoring closely.
Chambertin Clos De Beze Grand Cru
Chambertin Clos de Beze derives its name from the Beze monastery monks and has a historical distinction as the longest-acknowledged vineyard within the commune. In contemporary times, it is widely accepted that it typically holds a slightly lower status compared to Chambertin, but it still stands as one of the most esteemed vineyards in the region. Rousseau possesses 1.42 hectares of land within Clos de Beze, divided into two sections, with the larger of the two located in the upper portion of the vineyard.
Chambertin Clos de Beze spans an area of 15.40 hectares, and Armand Rousseau ranks as the third-largest proprietor with 1.42 hectares. Notable contributors to this vineyard's reputation include Domaine Prieure-Roch, which owns 1.01 hectares, Dujac with 0.24 hectares, and Bruno Clair, whose holdings encompass 0.98 hectares.
Clos Saint-Jacques Premier Cru
Clos Saint-Jacques Premier Cru stands at the pinnacle of its category, often mentioned in the same breath as Cros Parantoux and Les Amouresses as one of the finest Premier Cru vineyards in all of Burgundy. Situated on the opposite slope from the Grand Cru vineyards of Gevrey-Chambertin, it's only minor distinctions that prevent it from earning the Grand Cru classification. Among the four wines produced within the Clos Saint Jacques vineyard, it's Rousseau's wine that consistently garners the most outstanding reviews.
Clos Saint-Jacques encompasses a total area of 6.70 hectares, and Rousseau owns approximately one-third of this vineyard, with 2.22 hectares under their management. The other four producers in the vineyard also craft exceptional wines, although they may not quite reach the same level as Rousseau. These producers include Fourrier with 0.89 hectares, Jadot with 1 hectare, Bruno Clair with 1 hectare, and Sylvie Esmonin with 1.60 hectares.
Ruchottes-Chambertin, Clos Des Ruchottes, Monopole, Grand Cru
This vineyard is a true "monopole," wherein Rousseau possesses an enclosed section within the larger Grand Cru. Ruchottes-Chambertin, spanning 3.30 hectares in total, contains a 1.06-hectare segment encircled by a stone wall known as Clos des Ruchottes, and this entire parcel is exclusively owned by Rousseau. It's worth noting that this enclosed area may be the most exceptional part of the Ruchottes-Chambertin vineyard, where Rousseau consistently produces a wine celebrated for its abundant complexity and remarkable finesse.
Clos De La Roche Grand Cru
Clos de la Roche represents the sole piece of land that Armand Rousseau holds beyond the boundaries of Gevrey-Chambertin. Rousseau possesses two distinct sections within Clos de la Roche, a vineyard situated in Morey-Saint-Denis. In a unique approach, Rousseau opts to harvest the grapes from both parcels and vinify them together. Overall, Clos de la Roche spans an area of 16.90 hectares, and Rousseau's total ownership encompasses 1.48 hectares. Other noteworthy producers with holdings in this vineyard include Domaine Ponsot, who boasts an impressive 3.31 hectares, along with Dujac, Cocquard-Loison-Fleurot, Lignier, and, of course, Leroy.
Mazy-Chambertin Grand Cru
Mazy-Chambertin stands as the northernmost of the Grand Cru vineyards within Gevrey-Chambertin, and Rousseau possesses a modest plot of 0.53 hectares here. Typically, wines from this vineyard exhibit a robust structure and intense flavors, although they may lack the finesse found in Chambertin. Overall, Mazy-Chambertin spans 9.1 hectares and is informally divided into an upper and lower section. Rousseau's parcel is situated in the lower part, where the wines tend to be less intense. Some of the most renowned wines from Mazy-Chambertin are produced by d'Auvenay from their 0.26-hectare plot and Faiveley is known for crafting exceptional wine from their 1.56 hectares in this vineyard.
Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru
At Charmes-Chambertin, Armand Rousseau possesses three separate parcels, one of which extends into Mazoyeres-Chambertin but may be blended with the grapes from Charmes-Chambertin. This practice is a result of regulations established back in 1936 when the appellation rules were formulated. Consequently, Charmes-Chambertin stands as the largest Grand Cru vineyard in Gevrey-Chambertin, with Rousseau's total ownership comprising a mere 1.47 hectares. Numerous outstanding releases originate from this vineyard, with the most sought-after ones coming from Dugat-Py, which possesses 0.72 hectares, and Dujac, whose holdings cover 0.70 hectares.