2016 Christophe Roumier, Ruchottes-Chambertin Grand Cru, Ruchottes Chambertin 1x750ml

Robert Parker 93

The 2016 Ruchottes-Chambertin Grand Cru is labelled under Christophe’s own name as usual. He told me that it was impacted by around 20% by the frost, unlike Mugneret-Gibourg or Rousseau’s that were both spared. Christophe posited that this might be due to the weeds between the rows exacerbating frost damage. It has a tightly wound bouquet at first, very mineral-driven, with cold limestone permeating the pure dark berry fruit. There is just a very slight shrillness here. The palate is medium-bodied with a strong saline influence right from the beginning. It has a firm and almost foursquare structure, and yet there is outstanding focus. Quibbling, it is not quite as persistent as the 2015 Ruchottes-Chambertin last year, then again, you are not going to refuse any, if offered. [Neal Martin, 11/27/2017]