Gevrey Chambertin Clos Saint Jacques, Domaine Armand Rousseau 2014

A discreet but not invisible touch of wood sets off a more deeply pitched and intensely floral nose that in particular displays notes of violet and lavender along with plum, black cherry, spice and gentle earth scents. There is again excellent volume to the sleek but powerful and concentrated middle weight plus flavors that exude a fine bead of minerality on the moderately austere finish that delivers flat out superb persistence. While this gorgeously classy effort will also require extended keeping to reach its apogee, it contrasts with the grands crus in that it should be approachable after only 6 to 8 years of bottle age.

Tasted blind at the Burgfest 2014 tasting, Rousseau's 2014 Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru Clos Saint Jacques has a very refined and delineated bouquet with prudent use of new oak here that is seamlessly integrated and allows the vibrant red fruit to flourish. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, crisp acidity, very good tension and a welcome dash of spice toward the finish that conveys genuine substance and class. The aftertaste is incredibly long—the mouth tingling with residual spiciness long after the wine has departed. This is stunning and, dare I suggest, equal to Rousseau's Chambertin and Clos de Bèze.

A discreet but not invisible touch of wood sets off an intensely floral nose that in particular displays notes of violet and lavender along with plum, black cherry, spice and gentle earth scents. There is once again excellent volume to the sleek but powerful and concentrated flavors that exude a fine bead of minerality on the moderately austere finish that also delivers superb persistence. While this too will require extended keeping it contrasts with the grands crus in that it should be approachable after only 6 to 8 years of bottle age.