Armand Rousseau Clos de la Roche 2016

93-95 pts Wine Advocate

The 2016 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru was showing a touch of reduction on the nose, so I had to leave the aromatics to one side. The palate is medium-bodied with a firm grip on the entry. This is a stricter, less opulent, more masculine Clos de la Roche with a saline note that became more prominent toward the finish. This will deserve at least five years in bottle: broody, a little saturnine at the moment but one surely destined to repay cellaring. Keep your eye out for this one.

95 pts Wine Spectator

This silky red gives an initial impression of purity, with a core of cherry and strawberry fruit, accented by sandalwood, vanilla, stone and white pepper notes. Intense and fluid at once, showing fine harmony and excellent length. Smoke and mineral details grace the aftertaste. Best from 2020 through 2038.

92-94 pts Vinous

Bright, dark red. Very ripe, musky nose combines purple fruits, mocha, brown spices and game, along with some subtle earth notes. The sweetest of these 2016s to this point but also fine-grained and elegant, with its intense fruit and soil flavors nicely framed by lively acidity. Very rich, dense and alive. Offers a classic Clos de la Roche combination of fruits, spices and soil character.