Rousseau Chambertin Clos de Bèze Grand Cru 2001

97 points Bettane & Desseauve's Guide to the Wines of France: "A violet and licorice bouquet of rare class, remarkably balanced, peerless distinction of terroir. An accomplished and certainly underestimated vintage that will delight the true connoisseur! Drink: 2011 up to 2021. (2011)"

96 points Fine Wine Review: "The Chambertin-Closde-Bèze is a more opulent, richer, less mineral wine, especially when tasted on days subsequent to the opening of the bottle. The strawberries remain, but the red currant is replaced by darker, more animal aromas and flavors. This may be slightly below the very greatest Clos-de-Bèzes from Rousseau, but it will provide a great wine for those willing to cellar it sufficiently. 2014-2034. (Issue #98; 2004)"

95 points Neal Martin (Vinous): "The 2001 Chambertin Clos-de-Bèze Grand Cru has astonishing intensity on the nose, perhaps more like a 1999, with copious black cherries, black truffle, juniper berries and eucalyptus. It seems incredibly young even when juxtaposed against Méo-Camuzet’s Cros Parantoux from the same vintage. The palate is medium-bodied, quite structured and grippy, backward and rather masculine yet with disarming poise. This Clos-de-Bèze is only just beginning to step into its stride so don’t be afraid to cellar for another three or four years. Tasted at Empire restaurant in Hong Kong. Drink: 2019-2040. (May 2019)"

94 points Jasper Morris, MW (Inside Burgundy): "Similar pale colour to the 2002, and the bouquet is also equally open, getting there, surprising substance here, more evident than the 2002. Good power here, chunky but not short with a savoury, drier character. Very good length and the fruit acid balance is impeccable. (Nov 2016)"

94 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): "I have been fortunate enough to have had this wine a number of times over the years and my notes have been largely consistent though some bottles seem to have a bit more evident wood than others. The stylish and wonderfully complex nose reflects all of the elegance and broad-ranging spice elements that are typical of a classic Rousseau Bèze. The middle weight flavors remain marvelously intense with a sappy and quite beautifully detailed finish that is still moderately yet finely structured. As is the case with most 2001s, this is more of a medium weight effort that is underpinned by sophisticated tannins and impressive length. While it should continue to age for years on its balance, for my taste this has arrived at its peak. Lastly, I would note that my scores have ranged from 93 to 94 points. Drink: 2022+. (Oct 2022)"

19/20 points Clive Coates (The World of Fine Wine): "Medium-full color. Splendidly rich, ample nose. Succulent and profound. Fullish body. Lots of energy and particularly lovely fruit. Very fresh. Lovely balance. Very classy indeed. Will still improve. (Issue #34; 2011)"

Clive Coates (My Favorite Burgundies): "Very good colour. Full, rich, and concentrated on the nose. Quite a step up after the two above. Ripe, fullish body. Lots of depth. This is very fine. A lovely example. Drink: Now to 2025. (Tasted Apr 2008)"