Tasting Notes
Vinous 95
Deep, bright red. Knockout vibrant nose combines purple and red berries, crushed stone, violet and animal fur. Lush, thick and deep but with terrific chalky energy animating the middle palate. Conveys striking depth to its red fruit and floral flavors, with the 45% new oak practically invisible today. Finishes with huge but round, noble tannins and outstanding lingering sweetness. In a more opulent style than the potentially great 2013, and probably for drinking before that wine.
Anticipated maturity: 2023-2035
Robert Parker 90
Tasted blind at the annual “Burgfest” tasting in Beaune. The 2012 Chambertin Clos de Bèze Grand Cru from Bouchard Père et Fils has an earthy, rather subdued nose that lacks the complexity and the energy displayed by Rousseau’s Clos-de-Bèze 2012. There is something a little dour here. The palate is reduced on the entry although there seems to be decent substance underneath. Chewy and rustic, this needs to nurture more finesse and precision, though it would not surprise me if time smooths out the edges. Dumb phase? Quite possibly.
Anticipated maturity: 2018-2030
