Rousseau's 2000 Chambertin is pretty, if a touch on the lighter side, with a distinctly translucent feel. Sweet red cherry, spice, orange peel and floral notes are nicely laced together. The 2000 benefits from aeration to get rid of some initial tightness, but overall, the wine's mid-weight structure gives it a good bit of immediate appeal, certainly next to more imposing vintages. My impression is that the 2000 has become a bit more approachable than it was a few years ago.

Cooler, more medicinal, more aristocratic nose than the Clos de Beze: notes of red fruits, licorice and spice, along with a whiff of bacon fat. Impressively concentrated and voluminous; quite large-scaled, even powerful for the vintage, but fresh and utterly round. Firm acidity gives the wine great inner-mouth perfume and lift. Strong, lingering fruit outlasts the substantial chewy tannins.

This was my second encounter with Rousseau’s 2000 Chambertin in just a few weeks, although this time it was served completely blind. It reaffirms my previous note: mature in appearance, but a healthy, clear color. The nose is open-knit with that distinctive herbaceous bouquet, here a little more fungal than I previously noticed. The palate is harmonious, with crisp acidity, fine tannins, and hints of soy informing the rather angular finish. Not one of the domaine’s greatest Chambertins, but still enjoyable. Tasted March 2014.

Mid to pale rim. Not especially distinct on the nose. A bit muddy. Bit tough and hard. Very chewy indeed. Hard work. But after a while in the glass it became round and quite gentle on the mid palate. Mid length. (JR)