2004 Domaine Armand Rousseau, Gevrey-Chambertin Premier Cru, Clos Saint-Jacques 1x750ml

Robert Parker 90

It has been some years since I last tasted the 2004 Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru Clos Saint Jacques from Armand Rousseau. Tasted blind, I instantly nailed the vintage because of that unmistakable stemmy note on the nose – green bell pepper. Underneath that is a light floral scent with bay leaf and broom. The palate is brittle in texture with chalky tannin, hints of licorice surfacing toward the linear, conservative finish that to be honest, was completely out-performed by the 1993 Clos Saint Jacques on this occasion. It’s not at all bad for 2004, but there are better vintages out there. [Neal Martin, 06/01/2015]

Anticipated maturity: 2015-2022

Vinous 91+

Medium cherry-red. Perfumed, precise nose shows a mineral pungency to go with the red cherry, raspberry and spice aromas. Sweet, juicy and tightly wound, with more obvious acidity and oak influence than the foregoing samples. This is very suave and subtle-exactly the kind of wine that’s overlooked in competitive tastings. Finishes with restrained sweetness and sneaky persistence, with suggestions of vanilla and caramel. This very refined, vibrant wine really calls for five or six years of patience. [Stephen Tanzer, 01/03/2007]