A notably riper nose features more classic aromas of red and blue pinot fruit, violets, underbrush and this too offers a hint of jerky that complements the lightly spiced, rich, full and delicious medium weight plus flavors that possess an appealing textured quality to the energetic, sappy and mouth coating finish that is both balanced and impressively long. Excellent quality here and while not ultra powerful, this is certainly a step up in muscle compared to the Charmes and Mazis. (90-93)/2015+ Allen Meadows; Burghound

A surprisingly high-toned nose of cranberry and raspberry trimmed in a bit of warm earth introduces very forward yet precise flavors that are quite round and supple yet deliver excellent authority and impressive depth on the balanced and lingering finish. This is not a big example or even especially muscular but it's harmonious and should age well. Tasted: Jan 30, 2010 Score: 90-93 Drink: 2018+ Issue 37 Allen Meadows; Burghound

Eric Rousseau was away the day of my visit and thus I discussed the 2008 vintage and tasted with his assistant Frédéric Robert. Robert's take on the vintage is that "we had a good flowering but things degraded shortly thereafter and August was just terrible. In fact, by the beginning of September, we were beginning to wonder if we would even have a harvest as the véraison was not even finished! After the 12th of September however, things improved markedly, especially because the north wind concentrated the grapes, dried up the rot and seemed to galvanize the maturation process. Moreover, there was excellent luminosity even if not necessarily a lot of heat. We began picking on the 25th and brought in fruit with an average potential alcohol of about 12.5%. Eric elected to do a normal vinification of around an 18 day cuvaison. The colors and extractions came easily and we were able to treat the musts very gently, which was probably a very good idea in a vintage where the ripeness levels were uneven and thus it would have been easy to extract harsh or bitter tannins.

A subtle trace of wood frames the bright red pinot fruit and naturally spicy nose that is extremely fresh and this sense of vibrancy and freshness suffuses the rich, round and even more powerful lithe and tautly shaped flavors replete with the same energy and precision of the Ruchottes, all wrapped in a stony and perfectly balanced finish that seems to have no end. A stunning wine that should age for years and this is potentially the best CSJ that I have seen in the last 20 years. Tasted: Jan 01, 2008 Score: 94 Drink: 2017+ Issue 29 Allen Meadows; Burghound

Charles Rousseau's son Eric, who makes the wines, calls 2005 "an easy vintage. It was never very hot but there were certainly periods of sustained warm weather with relatively cool evenings that permitted uniform ripening and good acid retention. It was clear that there was an abundant fruit set so we dropped a lot of bunches through a green harvest. The harvest was exceptional as it was super clean with no rot or under ripe berries, which is to say that we had unusually good uniformity within the bunches. It was even cleaner than 2002 so the sorting table workers really didn't have much to do. There was essentially no sorting work and even with the generous yields, we had excellent sugars that ranged from 12.5 to 13.1%. The skins were thick and there was an impressively high solid to liquid ratios for most wines. As such, we worked more with pump overs than punch downs over the 16 to 19 days of total cuvaison. In contrast to most other vintages, I used no new oak at all up through and including the Ruchottes though as usual, the Clos St. Jacques, Cham and Bèze saw 100% new wood. For us, 2005 produced more structured wines than in 2002 yet the balance is every bit as good, perhaps even better and I really like the sense of harmony the wines have already." As the commentaries suggest, the Rousseau '05s are terrific but as good as they are, the '04s are perhaps even better in terms of their relative quality to the limitations of the 2004 vintage. The present plan is to bottle as usual in July though some of the lower level wines might be bottled in May, depending on how the fruit matures.

Here too there is a gentle touch of wood spice framing the more elegant and ultra refined high-toned red pinot fruit nose that also evidences ample minerality that continues onto the rich, sweet and sappy middle weight flavors that are almost delicate yet focused, pure and sneaky long as the flavor impact is really impressive. A strikingly intense wine of finesse and understatement in 2006. Tasted: Jan 01, 2009 Score: 93 Drink: 2016+ Issue 33 Allen Meadows; Burghound

Charles Rousseau's son Eric, who makes the wines, calls 2006 "one of those vintages where the growing season is going along fine and then wham, something goes seriously wrong and the excitement begins. July had been extremely hot, in fact hotter than in 2003 and on the 27th a huge hailstorm hit most of Gevrey but especially Clos de Bèze, Chapelle and Griotte. Worse, I had just finished a green harvest in Clos de Bèze and thus yields there were nothing compared to what we usually realize. It was a mess but we treated immediately, assessed the damage and continued on. August in Gevrey was cloudy and somber but we had less rain here than further south, which helped actually. By contrast, September was essentially perfect and pushed the ripeness to excellent levels throughout. I began picking on the 21st of September and between the hail and severe sorting, losses were between 10 and 20%, which is to say that we had yields from 17 hl/ha to Clos de Bèze to about 35 hl/ha in the Gevrey villages. Sugars were quite good too at between 12.5 and 13%. During the vinification I treated the musts a bit more gently and did a little less punching down than usual but otherwise, everything was pretty much normal though with respect to the Clos de Bèze, it's the first time that I have ever vinified grapes that were so badly hit as these. As to the wines, I love the '06s as they're pleasant, very fresh and have very fine tannins. For me the wines are like the 1992s or the 2000s, which people loved when they actually tasted them." I have to agree with Rousseau that his '06s are indeed extremely fresh, vibrant, balanced and attractive wines built for the medium term and should deliver a great deal of pleasure. As to the Rousseau '05s, they are simply unbelievable, particularly the Cham and Bèze and they should be on your shortest of short lists to find, cellar and enjoy some years hence as they really are brilliant.

Smooth, with concentration that makes this almost chewy, framing the cherry, licorice and sandalwood notes. There’s a latent mineral tone. Though well-proportioned and harmonious, this needs a year or so to really sing. Best from 2012 through 2020. 93 points; The Wine Spectator

(from a 2.2 ha parcel raised in 80% new wood). A touch of wood spice frames an ultra elegant, cool and mineral suffused red currant, cherry and raspberry nose that complements to perfection the detailed, supple, round and wonderfully classy medium weight flavors that possess positively gorgeous complexity on the sappy, mouth coating and explosively long finish. A wine of harmony and style with outstanding depth. (92-94)/2017+ Allen Meadows; Burghound

A discreet touch of wood frames an aromatically fresh, ultra elegant, spicy and bright nose of intense pure pinot fruit, cherry and raspberry notes where both the spice and earth notes continue onto the delicious, rich and full-bodied flavors built on a base of concentrated minerality and stunning length. This is one classy wine that offers impeccable balance and a Zen-like poise. Tasted: Jan 01, 2011 Score: 93 Drink: 2023+ Issue 41Allen Meadows; Burghound

Eric Rousseau was away the day of my visit and thus I discussed the 2008 vintage and tasted with his assistant Frédéric Robert. Robert's take on the vintage is that "we had a good flowering but things degraded shortly thereafter and August was just terrible. In fact, by the beginning of September, we were beginning to wonder if we would even have a harvest as the véraison was not even finished! After the 12th of September however, things improved markedly, especially because the north wind concentrated the grapes, dried up the rot and seemed to galvanize the maturation process. Moreover, there was excellent luminosity even if not necessarily a lot of heat. We began picking on the 25th and brought in fruit with an average potential alcohol of about 12.5%. Eric elected to do a normal vinification of around an 18 day cuvaison. The colors and extractions came easily and we were able to treat the musts very gently, which was probably a very good idea in a vintage where the ripeness levels were uneven and thus it would have been easy to extract harsh or bitter tannins.

Cherry and raspberry flavors are augmented by tobacco and mineral in this sinewy red. The tannins meld into the overall texture, yet are present, providing backbone. Spice notes highlight both the aromas and the long finish. Best from 2012 through 2020. 92 points; The Wine Spectator

(from a .5 ha parcel of 40 to 45 year old vines). Here the nose is quite reduced, rendering it difficult to evaluate though the detailed, firm and somewhat animale medium-bodied flavors also possess a firm minerality as well as a dusty, precise and punchy finish that is underpinned by moderately firm tannins. (88-91)/2013+ Allen Meadows; Burghound

Noticeable reduction renders the nose difficult to read but there are distinct animale aromas beneath the funk that can also be found on the robust and tautly muscular medium-bodied flavors that also display an overt minerality on the delicious, firm and complex finish. Tasted: Jan 30, 2010 Score: 89-91 Drink: 2016+ Issue 41 Allen Meadows; Burghound

Eric Rousseau was away the day of my visit and thus I discussed the 2008 vintage and tasted with his assistant Frédéric Robert. Robert's take on the vintage is that "we had a good flowering but things degraded shortly thereafter and August was just terrible. In fact, by the beginning of September, we were beginning to wonder if we would even have a harvest as the véraison was not even finished! After the 12th of September however, things improved markedly, especially because the north wind concentrated the grapes, dried up the rot and seemed to galvanize the maturation process. Moreover, there was excellent luminosity even if not necessarily a lot of heat. We began picking on the 25th and brought in fruit with an average potential alcohol of about 12.5%. Eric elected to do a normal vinification of around an 18 day cuvaison. The colors and extractions came easily and we were able to treat the musts very gently, which was probably a very good idea in a vintage where the ripeness levels were uneven and thus it would have been easy to extract harsh or bitter tannins.

From parcels everywhere in the commune that are segregated into 8 different cuvées aged in 20% new wood and then assembled into the final blend just before bottling. A notably more elegant nose combines white flower, citrus juice and a touch of anise that gives way to clean, intense, detailed and lightly mineral-infused medium-bodied flavors that are very Puligny in character and culminate in a balanced, vibrant and equally persistent finish. This is not overly dense but the balance and depth are lovely. Worth a look. Tasted: Jun 01, 2009 Score: 89 Drink: 2011+ Comments: Top value; Issue 35 Allen Meadows; Burghound

Since this vineyard was purchased by the domaine several years ago, it has established itself as the consistent out performer among their 1ers with its enveloping nose of spicy and earthy dark berry fruit liberally laced with Nuits animale notes where the latter is picked up by the rich, full, sweet and mouth coating flavors that are ripe and blessed with ample dry extract on the admirably lengthy finish. Also recommended. (90-92)/2013+ Burghound - (Burghound.com’s  70 “Sweet Spot” Wines from the 2006 vintage)

Quite pale. Very round and smoky – almost smells of Pinot Gris! Seductive and quite rich, though certainly not big.  17.5/20 Jancis Robinson MW

Romain Taupenot calls 2006 a ‘blend of 2000 and 2002’! It has the tenderness, ripeness and round accessibility of 2000 with the vibrancy, structure and acidity of 2002! The growing season had its fair share of challenges as there was some rot and, in certain sectors, hail damage, which was worse in Gevrey and Morey. “We began picking on September 21st and there was moderate sorting necessary to separate out the substandard fruit. By the time we finished, we actually had lower yields than in 2005 but the fruit that we kept had excellent sugars at between 12 and 13.4% as well as ideal acidities. Frankly, the ripeness levels were an excellent surprise because even after a terrific September, August was still so poor that we didn’t expect it. I decided to do a slightly softer vinification than normal as I wanted to be sure that bitter seed tannins were being inadvertently extracted, which would risk unbalancing the wines in a highly transparent vintage like 2006. The malos were mixed but most finished relatively early and overall, the wines have improved in barrel every month. In late November the wines were racked and assembled in mass to allow them time to marry well before the bottling.”

As is virtually always the case, this is bigger and more robust though at the price of less elegance with a much earthier and more obviously sauvage character on the red and dark berry fruit nose that introduces rich, full and more serious big-bodied flavors underpinned by more robust and rustic tannins though not any more depth or length. A qualitative choice but note that the respective characters are miles apart. (90-93)/2014+ Burghound

For those who like their burgundy rich and seductive. VERY gorgeous. And not a ridiculous price for the quality. Lovely, layered and complex. Great balance. A real jewel. 18/20 Jancis Robinson MW

Romain Taupenot calls 2006 a ‘blend of 2000 and 2002’! It has the tenderness, ripeness and round accessibility of 2000 with the vibrancy, structure and acidity of 2002! The growing season had its fair share of challenges as there was some rot and, in certain sectors, hail damage, which was worse in Gevrey and Morey. “We began picking on September 21st and there was moderate sorting necessary to separate out the substandard fruit. By the time we finished, we actually had lower yields than in 2005 but the fruit that we kept had excellent sugars at between 12 and 13.4% as well as ideal acidities. Frankly, the ripeness levels were an excellent surprise because even after a terrific September, August was still so poor that we didn’t expect it. I decided to do a slightly softer vinification than normal as I wanted to be sure that bitter seed tannins were being inadvertently extracted, which would risk unbalancing the wines in a highly transparent vintage like 2006. The malos were mixed but most finished relatively early and overall, the wines have improved in barrel every month. In late November the wines were racked and assembled in mass to allow them time to marry well before the bottling.”

Yves Confuron said that he did not begin picking until "September 25th because we wanted to bring in the highest phenolic ripeness that we could without sacrificing acid balance. We also use a high proportion of stems and thus it's obviously important to have good lignification and as a consequence, we picked slowly, we sorted slowly and didn't finish until October. It was important to sort carefully as there was more rain here in the Côte de Beaune than there was in the Côte de Nuits and rot was more of an issue. Sugars were very good but not extremely high at between 13 and 13.5% and yields were relatively low at around 25 hl/ha, which is almost exactly the same as we realized in 2005. Ultimately, the fruit gave us dense but fine tannins and very good phenolic maturities. The '06s remind me more than a little of the '01s but with more material and perhaps a bit more elegance as well as the tannins really are quite fine." And as the in-bottle reviews confirm, the in-barrel quality of the '05s that I found here last year has been fully realized. Note further that while the Epenots and Rugiens are almost always top flight, the Fremiers is equally fantastic in '05 and definitely worth a search to find. The '05s were not bottled until August, 2007, which means a full 24 months of élevage.

A ripe and earthy nose features mostly red berry fruit aromas that precede the rich, full, sweet and serious medium-bodied flavors that are well-muscled and offer plenty of volume on the long and sappy finish. This delivers first-rate quality for its level and is recommended. Tasted: Apr 01, 2008 Score: 85-88 Drink: 2011+ Comments: Outstanding! Top value Issue 30 Allen Meadows; Burghound

A very ripe and spicy nose that is admirably fresh and bright leads to equally ripe and delicious middle weight flavors that possess good punch and vibrancy on the nicely persistent finish. Lovely. 87/2013+; Allen Meadows; Burghound

A discreet touch of wood frames a somewhat raw nose that still reflects some fermentation aromas that dissolve into rich, full and nicely voluminous flavors that possess real size and weight plus an attractive minerality on the delicious and persistent finish. This is finer than the '05 if not necessarily better. Tasted: Oct 01, 2007 Score: 86-88 Drink: 2008+ Comments: Outstanding! Top value Issue 28

Aubert de Villaine, who has slowly but surely been turning over the responsibility for much of the day to day operations to his nephew Pierre de Benoist, calls 2006 a "very ripe, even opulent vintage that gave us relatively high alcohols, which is to say on average over 13% for the whites with a range of 12.5 to 13% for the reds. The crop was relatively clean though there was some sorting in red but not much in white. We did very little bâtonnage (lees stirring) for the whites and didn't push the extraction for the reds as it would have resulted in astringency. Overall, it's a fine but not great vintage that will provide much pleasure as the wines are easy going but delicious and should offer up to moderate term aging potential. Allen Meadows; Burghound

A mostly floral nose also offers up notes of apple and fennel before dissolving into rich, full and overtly energetic medium-bodied flavors that culminate in a minerally and linear finish. Very fine quality for its level and this should reward two to three years of cellar time. Tasted: Oct 01, 2009 Score: 87 Drink: 2011+ Comments: Outstanding Issue 36 Allen Meadows; Burghound

Aubert de Villaine, who has slowly but surely been turning over the responsibility for much of the day to day operations to his nephew Pierre de Benoist, calls 2006 a "very ripe, even opulent vintage that gave us relatively high alcohols, which is to say on average over 13% for the whites with a range of 12.5 to 13% for the reds. The crop was relatively clean though there was some sorting in red but not much in white. We did very little bâtonnage (lees stirring) for the whites and didn't push the extraction for the reds as it would have resulted in astringency. Overall, it's a fine but not great vintage that will provide much pleasure as the wines are easy going but delicious and should offer up to moderate term aging potential. Allen Meadows; Burghound

5% new oak. A densely fruited nose of lemon zest, petrol and acacia blossom aromas introduces round, delicious and solidly complex flavors that possess good mid-palate sap and plenty of precision and punch on the palate staining and mouth coating finish. I like the balance and the length is impressive. Tasted: Oct 01, 2009 Score: 89 Drink: 2012+ Issue 36 Allen Meadows; Burghound

Like the two preceding wines, this also evidences excellent purity on the high-toned red berry fruit nose that complements the nicely rich, round and energetic medium-bodied flavors that are supple yet on the reserved side, all wrapped in a slightly dry finish that may or may not round off with 3 to 4 years in bottle. Tasted: Oct 01, 2008 Score: 86-89 Drink: 2012+ Issue 32 Allen Meadows; Burghound