On the third Sunday of November the Hospices de Beaune hosts its annual wine auction. The auction comprises barrels of wine produced by the Hospices from vineyards donated over the centuries.
2016 was the 156th auction and as always it was a truly momentous event that attracted much media attention.
The tasting of the barrels a few days days prior is also a super experience. The wines are only a month or two old but tasting through the 40-odd different cuvees gives you a great feeling for the vintage.
Last year I decided it was time to indulge myself with the purchase of a barrel again (having not done so since 2011). My choice of cuvee was the Volnay 1er Cru Cuvee Blondeau.
Cuvee Blondeau is named after Francois Blondeau, a serial benefactor, who amongst other donations provided the bells for the Hospices de Charite in 1811 (which can still be heard today), restored the church in Volnay, built a school and finally donated all his vineyards in Volnay and Pommard.
It is an assemblage from the Premier Crus Champans, Taillipieds, Ronceret and Mitans, most of which have great vine age.
The elevage will be completed by Albert Bichot, who for years have been the biggest buyers at the Hospices auction.
For this month we offer this wine at a Special Pre Arrival Discount of 25%.
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