Rousseau Gevrey-Chambertin 1er cru Clos St. Jacques 2018

96-98 points Neal Martin (Vinous): “The 2018 Gevrey-Chambertin Clos Saint-Jacques 1er Cru has an exquisite bouquet that offers transparent red fruit, fine mineralité, sous-bois, and a sense of vivacity and focus that this vineyard has above all over premier crus. The harmonious palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, orange peel and a velvety-smooth finish. Superb. Drink: 2024-2055. (Jan 2020)”

96 points Tim Atkin, MW (Decanter): “The Rousseau holdings are located next to the wall of the Clos and the warmer meso-climate means that the grapes are often the first to be picked in the Premier Cru. This is a rich, exotic wine that was aged in 80% new wood but ‘could handle 100%’, according to Cyrielle Rousseau. Floral and ginger spicy, with red berry fruit, some underlying grip and a thread of minerality. Drinking Window: 2023-2035. (Oct 2019)”

96 points Bruce Sanderson (Wine Spectator): “A rich, solidly built red, with expressive aromas of exotic spices, sandalwood and toasty oak that lead to cherry, black currant and tobacco flavors. Balanced, with a dusting of medium tannins on the long finish. Best from 2023 through 2033. 350 cases made, 80 cases imported. (5/31/22)”

95+ points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): “While the Clos des Ruchottes was hunkered down at the time of my visit, the 2018 Clos St. Jacques was absolutely singing. The bouquet soars from the glass in a flamboyant mix of black cherries, plums, black raspberries, dark soil tones, grilled meats, nutty new oak and a topnote of dark chocolate. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, complex and very sappy, with lovely supporting structure and grip, impeccable balance and a long, ripely tannic and energetic finish. Great juice. 2028-2075. (Nov/Dec 2019)”

95+ points William Kelley (Wine Advocate): “The 2018 Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Clos Saint-Jacques has turned out brilliantly in bottle. Unwinding in the glass with notes of red berries, cassis and peonies, mingled with hints of woodsmoke, raw cocoa, orange rind and exotic spices. Medium to full-bodied, deep and concentrated, structured around ripe, powdery tannins, it’s layered and lively, maintaining impeccable balance in this warm vintage. Long and penetrating, this is more tightly wound in bottle than it was from barrel—something that bodes very well for its long-term evolution. Drink: 2028-2065. (Sep 2021)”

95 points/’Outstanding,’ Allen Meadows (Burghound): “(from a 2.21 ha parcel raised in 80% new wood). An attractively fresh nose features cool and relatively high-toned red cherry, pomegranate and hints of rose petal, the sauvage and humus, all of which is trimmed in admirably discreet wood influence. The mouthfeel of the precise, intense, equally fine and mineral-driven medium weight flavors is remarkably sophisticated, all wrapped in an impressively long and superbly complex finish that flashes focused power. This is terrific and should age accordingly as it’s very firm and compact. Drink: 2038+. (Jan 2021)”