About Domaine Armand Rousseau
Armand Rousseau started bottling under his own name in the 1920s, when most Gevrey growers still sold their wine in bulk to négociants. The domaine holds parcels in Chambertin and Chambertin Clos de Bèze, the monopole Clos des Ruchottes in Ruchottes-Chambertin, Charmes-Chambertin, Mazy-Chambertin and Clos de la Roche, plus the largest single share of the Clos Saint-Jacques. Charles Rousseau ran the estate for five decades, his son Eric followed, and Cyrielle Rousseau now works alongside him. The grand crus see a high proportion of new oak and almost always need ten years before they show their shape.
Gevrey-Chambertin carries more grand cru vineyard than any other village in the Côte de Nuits, and Rousseau sits at the top of it. Our Grand Cru Wines and Burgundy Wines pages cover the neighboring estates, and Pinot Noir follows the grape beyond Burgundy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best wines from Domaine Armand Rousseau?
Chambertin and Chambertin Clos de Bèze sit at the top, with the Clos Saint-Jacques close behind. Ruchottes-Chambertin Clos des Ruchottes is a monopole, and Charmes-Chambertin and Mazy-Chambertin offer the same signature at a lower price.
Is Clos Saint-Jacques a grand cru?
No, it is a premier cru in Gevrey-Chambertin, though the market has priced it like a grand cru for years and many growers argue it deserves the promotion. Rousseau owns roughly a third of the vineyard, the largest holding of the five families who share it.
How long do Armand Rousseau wines need in the cellar?
The grand crus usually want fifteen years and hold for thirty or more. Village Gevrey-Chambertin comes around sooner, often between five and eight years.
Why is Armand Rousseau so hard to find?
The domaine works about fifteen hectares and sells through a fixed allocation list that has not grown in decades. Bottles that reach retail almost always come out of private cellars rather than from the estate.