Chambertin, Domaine Armand Rousseau 1995

Highly expressive and moderately mature aromas explode from the glass to reveal dark fruit, earth and spice elements that lead to intense, full-bodied, robust and impressively muscular flavors, all wrapped in a wonderfully velvet-textured and mineral-inflected finish of superb length. This has nearing its peak window of drinkability though I will continue to hold my few remaining bottles for a few more years first as there is just enough tannin remaining to suggest that a bit more development potential remains. I have tasted the ’95 Cham many times with excellent results save for one bottle that was displaying noticeable brett. Drink 2020+

For some reason, this 1995 Chambertin is not quite firing on all cylinders, even though it is a lovely wine. It has a seductive bouquet with Morello, strawberry, a light marine influence and hints of Provencal herbs filtering through with time, though never quite achieving the bravura performance of the 1996 (for example.) The palate has a very fine lattice of tannins and perfect acidity, moderate weight in the mouth with beguiling symmetry, yet there is not the density of nobility of the succeeding vintage from Rousseau. Don't feel guilty popping the cork now, but of course there is another ten years of pleasure for those who prefer to wait. Drink 2014-2028

Highly expressive and moderately mature aromas explode from the glass to reveal dark fruit, earth and spice elements that lead to intense, full-bodied, robust and impressively muscular flavors, all wrapped in a wonderfully velvet finish of superb length. This has arrived at a stage where it could be approached with pleasure though it is still youthful and personally, I would give it another 5 to 10 years in the cellar first. Even more promising is that it should hold at its peak for many, many years. Multiple, and consistent, notes.|