(96-98 points) The 2018 Chambertin-Clos de Bèze 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 Bèze is more immediate and dramatic than this year's Chambertin. - WK

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 Bèze 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.

97+ The 2018 Clos de Bèze is more closed and powerful than the Chambertin this year (or at least at this stage of its development), but every bit as long and promising. The bouquet shows stunning depth in its youthful blend of black cherries, red and black plums, dark chocolate, grilled meats, a superb base of soil and a fine foundation of smoky new oak. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and nicely structured, with a sappy core of fruit, fine soil signature, ripe, perfectly integrated tannins and a long, adolescently complex and very promising finish. Fine juice in the making.

96+ The 2018 Chambertin Clos-de-Bèze Grand Cru has a magnificent bouquet. Dark berry fruit, crushed roses, minerals and incense soar from the glass. Wonderful definition. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, dark berry fruit laced with white pepper and allspice, building in the mouth to a multi-dimensional finish that lingers tenderly. Outstanding. Tasted blind at the Burgfest 2018 red tasting. - Neal Martin