BEAUNE, 1ER CRU, CUVEE DAMES HOSPITALIERES

BURGUNDY, FRANCE 2018

With whispers that 2018 could become one of Burgundy's "all-time great vintages" (Tim Atkin, Decanter), it was no surprise that last November's famous Hospices de Beaune three-day charity festival and wine auction enjoyed record-breaking sales for the vintage. From an estate consisting of 61 hectares, donated over centuries to the Hospices since its inception in 1443, each lot is precious, especially as 85% of the Hospices' vineyard holdings are classified as Grand or Premier Cru - representing some of the best terroir in all of Burgundy. The Cuvee Dames Hospitalieres, one of the Hospices' rarest treats, traditionally opens the auction, with the extraordinarily high demand for this first lot leaving many wine lovers empty handed. Yet we were determined to secure an allocation - and that is exactly what we did - so today you could add a piece of history to your collection.

Beaune, or "the nerve center of Burgundy" (Clive Coates) is often described as coming mid-way between the muscular and sturdy wines of Pommard and the elegant and delicate wines of Volnay, with some of the best coming from climats such as Feves, Bressandes, Greves and Teurons and often having a beautiful roundness and richness. Today's wine comes mainly from Les Bressandes with no vines planted after 1985. With Les Bressandes lying at the top of a slope, fruit from Les Teurons (further down) is blended, providing excellent balance and purity - producing a wine that is round and elegant with plenty of depth and structure.

Named in honor of the nurses and nuns that tended the sick since the Hospices' inception, this is a Burgundy you will not want to miss, especially as 2018 is a "beautiful vintage for red wines" and an "exceptional vintage" overall (Jasper Morris). As this wine is being sold 'en premieur' (wine futures), this stunning 2018 Beaune Premier Cru is gracefully ageing in the cellars of Au Pied du Mont Chauve and will ship directly from their cellars to your preferred store in 2020, with 6 bottle orders in their original wood case. As our allocation is very limited (only 70 six-packs) for this first lot from the Hospices, this wine is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Secure your order at the best price available before it sells out!