Sometimes the stars simply align. That is certainly the case at Rousseau in 2019, a truly extraordinary vintage at one of the world’s most iconic estates. The 2019 Gevrey-Chambertin Clos St. Jacques 1er Cru is captivating right out of the glass. Soaring aromatics, deep layers of cool, blue-toned fruits and the silkiest of tannins captivate all the senses, from the intellectual to the hedonistic. What a total turn-on.

The 2019 Gevrey-Chambertin Clos Saint-Jacques 1er Cru has a rich bouquet with plenty of fruit and perhaps the greatest presence of the five CSJ, although Fourrier's has greater delineation and precision. The oak is more noticeable, although it is still proportionate to the fruit. The palate is very well balanced, with fine depth and precision. Harmonious and palpably energetic on the finish, this is from the top-drawer, and it will continue to age for many years. Tasted blind at the Burgfest tasting.

Powerful and dramatic, Rousseau's 2019 Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Clos Saint-Jacques bursts from the glass with aromas of dark berries, cassis and plums mingled with notions of grilled meats, dark chocolate, exotic spices and loamy soil—all framed by cedary new oak. Medium to full-bodied, deep and concentrated, it's layered and elegantly muscular, with a deep core of fruit, powdery tannins and bright acids.

Around 70% new oak. They’ve been waiting for 10 years to replant but can’t bring themselves to uproot the old vines. They pulled out 0.2 ha of their 2.2 ha vines just after the 2019 harvest and are letting it lie fallow for a year. Cask sample. Very lively and flirtatious. Racy and vibratoire . Gorgeous but not heavy. ‘Like pogoistes at a rock concert’, suggests Cyrielle, adding, ‘I have too much imagination’. Long. (JR)