Chambertin, Domaine Armand Rousseau 2018

The most introverted cuvée in the cellar when I visited was the 2018 Chambertin Grand Cru, a deep and brooding wine that unwinds in the glass with aromas of ripe berry fruit, plums, rose hips and orange rind, framed by creamy new oak. On the palate, it's full-bodied, velvety and layered, with superb concentration and broad structural shoulders. This is a muscular Chambertin that it will be exciting to revisit from bottle, and I expect it will gain considerably from its second winter in barrel.

A solid, evenly distributed crimson purple. This is a substantial rendition of Chambertin, a little less ethereal than some at this early stage, but evidently with a weight of flavour to follow. The nose builds further. I am looking forward to tasting this. It is indeed sensual, mouthfilling, with lifted spice, just a little touch of wood, a warmer but still balanced finish - overall very well done. Drink from 2036. Tasted: September 2022