92/94

Antonio Galloni

Vinous

Intensity and volume are the first things that come to mind in the 2012 Charmes-Chambertin. Layers if blue/blackish fruit blossom in a wine that is beautifully textured and vibrant throughout. I very much like the intensity here. I tasted two different barrels of Charmes, both in different states of their evolution, which is why generally speaking I feel the wines aren't fully formed just yet.

91

Neal Martin

Robert Parker/Wine Advocate

Tasted blind at the annual "Burgfest" tasting in Beaune. The 2012 Charmes Chambertin Grand Cru from Domaine Armand Rousseau has a disjointed nose at first, showing some signs of reduction, although it does coalesce in the glass and offer crushed strawberry and red plum notes, deeply infused with forest floor and mushroom aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with a pastille-like entry, the acidity nicely judged with just a dab of spice towards the finish. It is a charming Charmes-Chambertin, but one that here falls short of my expectations out of barrel, whereas other Rousseau 2012s excel. Possibly this is suffering a dumb phase? I'll hang that question mark against my score.