2017 Domaine Armand Rousseau, Ruchottes-Chambertin Grand Cru, Clos des Ruchottes

The 2017 Ruchottes-Chambertin Clos des Ruchottes Grand Cru has a pixelated bouquet that really expresses the limestone soils of this vineyard: subtle pressed iris scents infuse the red berry fruit, all with brilliant delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin. There is a fine bead of acidity here, again, a little spicy (the leitmotif throughout the Rousseau range) with impressive grip and persistence on the finish. Excellent.

At least based on these barrel samples, the 2017 Ruchottes-Chambertin Grand Cru Clos des Ruchottes has the edge over the Clos Saint-Jacques this year, soaring from the glass with a fragrant bouquet of red cherries, raspberries, spices and orange rind. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, satiny and incisive with good concentration at the core, tangy acids and chalky structuring tannins.