Where Chambertin speaks through power, Clos de Bèze answers with finesse, perfume and mineral precision.

Domaine Armand Rousseau Chambertin-Clos de Bèze Grand Cru 2017 is one of the benchmark wines of Gevrey-Chambertin, produced from one of Burgundy’s most historic Grand Cru vineyards.

The 2017 vintage is marked by vivid red and dark berries, flowers, spice, fine tannins and a long mineral finish. It has power, but the defining impression is precision — a hallmark of both Clos de Bèze and Armand Rousseau.

Clos de Bèze: a vineyard whose history reaches back to 630

The history of Clos de Bèze predates Chambertin itself, reaching back to 630.

The land was given to the monks of Bèze Abbey, who cleared the site and planted the first vines.

Even today, the vineyard remains a true clos, enclosed by old stone walls and recognised as one of the defining Grand Crus of Gevrey-Chambertin.

Armand Rousseau owns 1.42 hectares in Clos de Bèze

Domaine Armand Rousseau owns a total of 1.42 hectares in Clos de Bèze.

The domaine’s holdings are divided into two parcels, with the larger parcel situated in the upper part of the vineyard.

The upper section is particularly stony and rich in limestone, while lower sections transition through Bajocian limestone and marl.

This combination of limestone, slope and varied geology is central to the finesse, mineral character and long finish associated with Clos de Bèze.

The “feminine face” of Chambertin

Armand Rousseau describes Clos de Bèze as the “feminine face of Chambertin.”

Both vineyards stand at the summit of Gevrey-Chambertin, but their voices differ. Chambertin tends to be broader and more powerful, while Clos de Bèze is typically subtler, more mineral and more focused on finesse.

The domaine describes its Clos de Bèze through red berries, oriental spice, deep colour, smooth texture and a long finish.

2017 | Red fruit, flowers and precision

In 2017, the wine showed aromas of dark cherry, raspberry, plum, rose petal and violet from a relatively young stage.

Tea, cocoa, sweet spice, earth and iron-like notes add further layers.

The attraction of the vintage lies not simply in concentration, but in freshness, perfume, balanced acidity and unusually fine tannins.

Power and finesse in the same frame

The palate has the scale expected of Clos de Bèze, yet the shape remains remarkably precise.

Critical tastings repeatedly note fine-grained tannins, vibrant acidity, dense fruit and a long mineral finish.

It is a classic Rousseau paradox: substantial without heaviness, powerful without losing transparency.

100% new oak, absorbed by the fruit

At Armand Rousseau, Chambertin and Clos de Bèze are treated as the domaine’s top cuvées and receive the highest proportion of new oak.

For the 2017 Clos de Bèze, published tasting records note 100% new oak.

Cedar, cocoa and spice are noticeable in youth, yet the density of fruit and mineral structure is sufficient for the oak to integrate as the wine matures.

Scores from 94 to 98 points

The 2017 received consistently high critical ratings.

John Gilman awarded 98 points, while Burghound and Decanter each gave 96 points. Vinous later rated the wine 94 points after bottling.

Across the different assessments, the same qualities recur: perfume, refined tannins, exceptional length and the ability to gain complexity with extended bottle age.

Published maturity windows extend broadly from the late 2020s to around 2050.

Comparing Clos de Bèze and Chambertin

The natural comparison is Rousseau’s Chambertin, another of Burgundy’s most celebrated Grand Crus.

IMAMI also introduces Domaine Armand Rousseau Chambertin 2022.

Chambertin tends to emphasise structure and power, while Clos de Bèze layers flowers, red fruit, spice and mineral detail with a finer touch. Comparing the two reveals how clearly Rousseau allows neighbouring terroirs to speak in different voices.

Domaine Armand Rousseau Chambertin-Clos de Bèze Grand Cru 2017

France | Burgundy | Côte de Nuits | Gevrey-Chambertin | Chambertin-Clos de Bèze Grand Cru | Domaine Armand Rousseau | 100% Pinot Noir | Vintage 2017 | 750ml | Red wine

A vineyard with a history reaching back to 630, 1.42 hectares farmed by Armand Rousseau, and a 2017 vintage defined by vivid berries, flowers, fine tannins and mineral length. It is one of Burgundy’s clearest examples of power shaped by finesse.

Available at IMAMI

IMAMI carries rare Burgundy, Bordeaux and other fine wines, including sought-after back vintages. For product availability, please enquire at IMAMI Ginza, IMAMI Shinsaibashi, or contact us.

As this is a rare back vintage, availability changes frequently.