Burgundy Gems in Oregon

Met a friend in southern Oregon after a post-Thanksgiving visit to Willamette Valley. Sammy's New Cowboy Bistro, my first time there. Interesting place, great list.

• 1991 Domaine Armand Rousseau Père et Fils Chambertin 96 Points

  France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Chambertin Grand Cru

  Nose was first a bit musty, even earthy, but became more smoky and floral after 60-90 minutes. Black fruit with lots of acidity, great balance. Mostly primary, but some forest floor character kept appearing and disappearing over the course of dinner. Tannins were quite nicely integrated. Balanced in every way. Powerful muscular finish.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

• 1993 Domaine Armand Rousseau Père et Fils Chambertin-Clos de Bèze 95 Points

  France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Chambertin-Clos de Bèze Grand Cru

  Still incredibly rich and primary on both the nose and palate. Black fruit with a good amount of spice. Some interesting sous bois emerged after about 90 minutes which made the finish particularly exciting. Great depth and density of flavor and great texture.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

• 1988 Henri Jayer Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru Cros Parantoux 97 Points

  France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru

  Remarkable aromatics, very spicy and feminine. Flavors were more dense and powerful, nice combination of red and dark fruit with lots of energy. Acidity and tannins seem to give this wine great texture and helped build layers of flavors. This wine barely changed over the course of dinner, becoming slightly more subtle. I expect this will have a long life ahead of it. interestingly, the restaurant owner was hesitant about selling this bottle because others he had sold recently had not shown particularly well!

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

Not often that a great vintage of Rousseau Chmabertin Clos de Beze is the worst wine of the night.