Cyrielle serves this wine last as it takes longer to eat its oak. A little bit of reduction related to the oak does indeed show. The barrel also expresses its tannins a little more forcefully at the finish. But these are details which will not affect the long term majesty of this wine which is showing an almost austere concentration of fruit. A marvellous wine but I do not think it will quite challenge the Chambertin. Tasted: November 2019.

The 2018 Chambertin-Clos de Beze Grand Cru was more extroverted during my visit to the Rousseau cellars this year, exhibiting a rich and complex bouquet of smoked meats, ripe cherries, cassis, woodsmoke, nori, blackberries and dark chocolate, framed by a lavish application of cedary new oak. It's full-bodied, fleshy and enveloping, with a ripe core of fruit, powdery tannins and a long, palate-staining finish. The Clos de Beze is more immediate and dramatic than this year's Chambertin. (William Kelley)

The 2018 Chambertin Clos-de-Beze Grand Cru has a very well-defined bouquet of red berry fruit laced with undergrowth, rose petals, incense and hints of white pepper; so much vigor here. The palate is medium-bodied with filigreed tannins, wonderful tension and great length on the finish. This is a class apart, an intellectual and downright delicious Chambertin that will surely gain even more sophistication during its second winter in barrel. Awesome. (NM)

Slightly more evident, though still quite subtle, wood frames the even spicier aromas of liqueur-like red and dark berry fruit, plum, anise, earth and lilac nuances. Here too there is a relatively supple mid-palate mouthfeel to the slightly finer broad-shouldered flavors that possess a gorgeous texture, all wrapped in a classy, sophisticated, stony, powerful and hugely long finish. This too is a knock-out and a one that should evolve glacially over a 20 to 30-year period as it's even a bit firmer than the Chambertin, which rarely occurs in my experience.

Generally poured last in any tasting at the domaine, as it's the most powerful wine in the line up, this Clos de Beze hails from a 1.5ha parcel, which means that's in shorter supply than the Rousseau Chambertin. Plush, textured and grippy, this has understated richness, sinewy tannins, well-integrated 100% new wood and a chalky, refreshing finish. Drinking Window 2024 - 2035. (TA)