Domaine Armand Rousseau, Chambertin-Clos de Beze Grand Cru 2018

The 2018 Chambertin Clos-de-Bèze Grand Cru has a magnificent bouquet. Dark berry fruit, crushed roses, minerals and incense soar from the glass. Wonderful definition. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, dark berry fruit laced with white pepper and allspice, building in the mouth to a multi-dimensional finish that lingers tenderly. Outstanding. Tasted blind at the Burgfest 2018 red tasting.

The 2018 Chambertin-Clos de Bèze Grand Cru was more extroverted during my visit to the Rousseau cellars this year, exhibiting a rich and complex bouquet of smoked meats, ripe cherries, cassis, woodsmoke, nori, blackberries and dark chocolate, framed by a lavish application of cedary new oak. It's full-bodied, fleshy and enveloping, with a ripe core of fruit, powdery tannins and a long, palate-staining finish. The Clos de Bèze is more immediate and dramatic than this year's Chambertin.