2008 Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Clos-Saint-Jacques
By Domaine Armand Rousseau
2008 Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Clos-Saint-Jacques from Domaine Armand Rousseau, Burgundy, France
In the vast constellation of Burgundian terroirs, few stars shine with as consistent brilliance as the 2008 Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Clos-Saint-Jacques from Domaine Armand Rousseau. This particular vintage echoes the narrative of a year where temperamental weather patterns sieved out the truly dedicated vignerons from the rest. Domaine Armand Rousseau's astute mastery of viticulture and vinification has rendered a vintage that burgeons with singular character.
The Alchemy of Climate and Craftsmanship
Marked by an initially damp summer that gave way to a providential September reprieve in Burgundy, the 2008 vintage necessitated vigilant nurturing of the vines to bring them to their fullest expression. The stoic finesse of the Domaine's experienced hands coaxed forth a wine that encapsulates both the ruggedness and refinement of Gevrey-Chambertin's noble terroir.
A Tapestry of Tastes and Textures
The 2008 Clos-Saint-Jacques Vintage unfurls on the palate with disciplined richness, offering a lavish bouquet of dark fruits, nuanced with whispers of earthy minerality and a zephyr of well-integrated oak. It possesses an elegant tannic structure that lends it both authority and seductive appeal, accentuated by an enduring finish which leaves one ruminating long after the glass is empty.
Time has woven complex layers into this exquisite composition, now revealing a vintage with sufficient vivacity to entrance collectors and investors alike. Notably, when decanted and given room to breathe, this vintage magnifies in its generosity—displaying notable characteristics aligned with Domaine Armand Rousseau’s storied reputation.
In sum, this enticing and rare cuvée constitutes an essential addition to any discerning portfolio, promising continued evolution for those patient enough to allow it to fully unfurl its further complexities. Suffice it to say, for those seeking nuanced prestige in their collection, the 2008 Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Clos-Saint-Jacques from Domaine Armand Rousseau stands as an incontrovertible embodiment of finesse and resilience—a telling triumph of this illustrious appellation.
Market price (CAD)
$24,470.00
12x75cl
Highest score
92
POP score
1225
Scores and tasting notes
The 2008 Gevrey-Chambertin Clos St. Jacques is an unusually warm, pliant 2008. The use of 80% new barrels here undoubtedly contributes to the wine’s open, generous expression of fruit. The Clos St. Jacques is a beautiful wine, even at this early stage. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2038. I tasted the following wines with Frederic Robert, who works alongside Eric Rousseau. In 2009 Rousseau and his team began picking on September 7, the earliest in Gevrey. For the first time the estate used 20% whole clusters on all the wines except for Clos de la Roche, which was closer to 15%. The 2009s were scheduled to be bottled in April 2011. I also tasted a handful of 2008s that were deeply impressive. Importer: Frederic Wildman & Sons, New York, NY; tel. (212) 355-0700
Antonio Galloni - The Wine Advocate, 1 May 2011