Armand Rousseau Chambertin Clos de Beze 2011 750mL

Tasted blind at the Burgundy 2011 horizontal tasting in Beaune. The Chambertin Clos de Bèze 2011 from Rousseau was showing too much wood when I tasted it just after bottling. Whereas some 2011s from Rousseau seem to have been handicapped by that, others like this have shrugged it off. Here, it has a more generous bouquet compared to its peers, armed with lush red cherries, strawberry and cassis. The oak vanillin is noticeable but synced with the fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with a plush texture. There is very good depth here and arresting purity – red cherries strawberry and candied orange peel that segue into a citrus fresh and vibrant finish with plenty of energy and race. Superb. - Robert Parker