The 1988 Chambertin Grand Cru from Rousseau offers up a complex and pristine bouquet of red and black berries, grilled meat, wood smoke and cedary wood. On the palate, the wine is medium-full, with a firm but fine chassis of tannin and taut but integrated signature 1988 acidity—structural elements framing a Chambertin of great depth and intensity. This is not as ample or authoritative as the very greatest vintages, but in terms of balance, complexity and concentration, it doesn't miss a beat.

---

Show more

---

---

Show less

---

It had been 11 years since the last time I crossed paths with this wine and it continues to drink reasonably well even if it's not one of the great vintages for this storied wine. Mild bricking though there is still a pronounced ruby core. There is a very mild hint of volatile acidity present on the sous-bois, spice, earth and forest floor-suffused nose. I like the sense of vibrancy and detail to the moderately muscular and mineral-driven middle weight flavors that deliver very good if not genuinely distinguished depth and length where about the only nit is a hint of acid tang. In sum, this is a solid effort that is drinking as well now as it every will.

---

Show more

---

---

Show less

---