1988 Ruchottes Chambertin
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Tasting notes
The 1988 Ruchottes-Chambertin Grand Cru comprises six barrels (another six are under the "Bonnefond" label as the parcel is under métayage ). This is actually a step up from the Charmes with a brilliantly-defined, pixelated bouquet, providing much more mineralité and terroir expression. Quite intense with underlying petrichor scents that emerge. The palate is tensile from the start, fizzing with energy, a mixture of red and black fruit with a "transparent" finish, this Ruchottes rivets you to the spot. Tasted at the Roumier 1988 dinner at Noizé.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
This possesses a really lovely nose that is fully mature yet quite fresh while reflecting moderate amounts of sous-bois, spice, earth and the truffle-character that fine older Ruchottes often displays. This aspect is also picked up by the delicious, vibrant and intense middleweight flavors that offer solid punch on the mouth-coating and admirably long if slightly austere finish. Tasted twice before, once in 2008 and again in 2021 with consistent notes. (Drink starting 2022)
The Ruchottes-Chambertin is a muscular, full-bodied, highly extracted and flavorful wine with a great deal of character. In fact, some people feel it suffers from too much complexity. There is a sweet, leathery, almost ground beef and soy sauce aroma, and long, tannic, powerful, heady flavors. This wine should be laid away for at least 4-5 years and consumed over the following 15. It should prove to be one of the longest-lived wines of the vintage.
About the producer
Based in Chambolle-Musigny, the domaine was established by Georges Roumier in 1924. The domaine started to bottle their own wines in 1945.