2005 Charmes-Chambertin
By Domaine Armand Rousseau
2005 Charmes-Chambertin from Domaine Armand Rousseau, Burgundy
Investors and aficionados of fine Pinot Noir take heed when the conversation turns to the renowned vintages of Burgundy. Within this sanctified region, the 2005 Charmes-Chambertin from Domaine Armand Rousseau emerges as a lodestar for collectors seeking both prestige and performance. A remarkable year provided Rousseau with climatic largesse, heralding a vintage that encapsulates the quintessence of what Burgundian terroir can offer.
Rarity and Elegance: A Collector's Dream
Domaine Armand Rousseau, synonymous with meticulous viticulture and winemaking prowess, has always been discerning in their crafting of wines designed not just to be consumed, but to be studied and treasured. The 2005 vintage has shown that, with time, these masterworks evolve into beguiling treasures, catching the keen eye of investment portfolios around the globe.
Seasonal Symphony, Perennial Grace
The 2005 vintage in Burgundy enjoyed a near-perfect growing season, defined by a warm summer followed by an impeccably timed cool down towards harvest. This providential rhythm allowed for optimal fruit maturation while preserving necessary acidity—conducive conditions for crafting age-worthy wines with profound complexity.
In the glass, the 2005 Charmes-Chambertin exhibits a rich tapestry woven with ripe cherries and intricate earthy undertones. Layers reveal themselves slowly; forest floor, black tea, and a whisper of sweet spices reminiscent of a well-curated patisserie window. Structurally, it combines aristocratic finesse with backbone—a testament to its longevity.
Two decades on, we see how sagely this wine has unfolded. The tannins have softened to a suede-like texture while maintaining enough grip to assert its ongoing evolution. The 2005 vintage is not merely drinking magnificently now—it promises further revelations for those patient enough to wait.
In summary, the 2005 Charmes-Chambertin from Domaine Armand Rousseau stands as an embodiment of Burgundian virtuosity—a vintage sculpted by temperate hands of nature that remains indubitably integral to any serious collection of fine wines. As it continues its graceful ageing trajectory, consulting the Burgundy vintage chart reinforces how this vintage will enhance portfolios with its remarkable ageing potential and profound depth.
Market price (HKD)
HK$126,520.00
12x75cl
Highest score
89
POP score
1471.11
Scores and tasting notes
The 2005 Charmes-Chambertin (from vines averaging around thirty years of age, two thirds of them in Mazoyere-Chambertin) is decidedly lighter in color and palate weight than its premier cru predecessors. Sweet cherry with jam and caramel suggestions dominate a supple palate, with nuances of toasted almond and licorice. This is all about polish, sweet fruit, and laid-back elegance, but is frankly a bit disappointingly straightforward in consideration of its classification, of the quality standard set by most of its stable mates, and certainly given its price. With Eric Rousseau taking over increasingly from his father Charles, bottling may end up being slightly earlier than in the past, but such routine features as triage exclusively in the vineyards (not the press house), the inclusion of whole clusters and stems, precocious malolactic fermentation (although in 2005 and 2006, at least, Rousseau says he didn’t force this), reliance on older barrels, and an eventual light plaque filtration for all wines remain as before. Given the long-running success of these Pinots in subtly yet insistently conveying the distinct personalities of their sites and standing the test of time, some might well ask “why change the recipe?” while others will wonder whether the wines could be made even better. In any event, nature conspired to hand the new generation a vintage of historic dimensions. Importer: Frederic Wildman & Sons, New York, NY; tel. (212) 355-0700
David Schildknecht - The Wine Advocate, 29 April 2007