1997 Mazis Chambertin Grand Cru from Domaine Armand Rousseau, Burgundy

The 1997 vintage in Burgundy was one of contrast and charm, yielding wines that offer a myriad of sensory pleasures. The 1997 Mazis Chambertin Grand Cru from Domaine Armand Rousseau is no exception, presenting an intricate tapestry of Burgundy's terroir elegantly weaved with time's patient hand.

A Pinnacle of Pinot Precision

The wine's evolution has been a road marked by grace and maturity. What stands out in this particularly mesmeric bottling is its harmonious balance—a testament to the exacting standards of Domaine Armand Rousseau. In the glass, one discovers a riveting colour, now softened to a garnet hue with gentle bricking at the rim. The aromas envelop the senses in an intoxicating dance of autumnal underbrush, vibrant cherries, and the mysterious whisper of truffle – each sniff reveals new dimensions of this storied terroir.

Weathering the Vintage

With the passing years, the 1997 vintage has unfurled its wings, showcasing a surprisingly robust structure that belies its initially perceived lighter nature. The temperate growing season of '97 placed an indelible mark on the Mazis Chambertin vineyards. This Grand Cru, postured on iron-rich soils interspersed with limestone contributions, bestows upon the wine a mineral core wrapped in silken tannins—a salute to its august heritage.

The palate is greeted with the maturity of aged fruit, yet remains enlivened by grounded earthiness and complex spiciness reflective of its geology. A crescendo of elegance and depth emanates from the finely integrated layers of flavour that continue to deliver spectacularly with each mesmerising sip.

A crucial consideration for any fine wine investor is not just the inherent quality of their portfolio selection but also their storage potential—and herein lies another strength of this quite marvellous 1997 vintage. It possesses both the vigour for immediate enjoyment by connoisseurs and collectors alike, as well as the sturdy backbone necessary for further cellaring—an asset to any fine wine investment.

In summarising my encounter with the 1997 Mazis Chambertin Grand Cru, it has been nothing short of a symphony orchestrated by nature and nurtured by prowess at Domaine Armand Rousseau. As it progresses through its third decade in bottle, investors and enthusiasts would do well to secure such wines that bear witness to Burgundy's enchanting ability to encapsulate both time and place within their liquid anthology.