HOSPICES DE BEAUNE MARKETPLACE
BURGUNDY, FRANCE
Why Buy: Our fine wine buyer, Pierre-Yves – a wine industry insider with three-plus decades of experience, a palate of exquisitely honed sensitivity, and a relentless determination to discover the best – was on the ground in Beaune, at the celebrated Hospices de Beaune auction; he personally selected these 6 elegant, old-vine Burgundies, vinified and aged by the renowned Albert Bichot, whose name is a virtual guarantee of excellence.
The Context: Over the years, the Hospices' vineyard holdings have grown through vineyard donations and reflect some of the greatest terroir in Burgundy; 85% of the vineyards consist of Premier and Grand Cru sites, with wines ranging from single vineyards to blends of individual parcels, named after various benefactors who have generously donated to the Hospices over the years.
The History: Once a year, on the third Sunday of November, wine collectors from around the globe gather in the heart of Beaune to participate in the world-renowned wine auction that has been held since 1859. This historic occasion gives collectors the chance to acquire exceptional red and white Burgundy in every price range, with the proceeds going towards medical treatments and ensuring patients of the Hospices the best possible care.
The Vintages: As many of you know, 2019 was an extraordinary year for Burgundy, with fantastically strong showings in red wines and white wines across the region, and at all levels. The 2021 growing season was marked by a number of challenges, but the wines that emerged evince little of that struggle; these are lighter in character than the Burgundies of 2019, but with a marked freshness and finesse.
Our Tasting Notes: Pierre-Yves came back raving about these, praising them for their charming aromatics, their old-school character, their proportionality, their depth, their poise. They are wines, on the one hand, of technical precision, and, on the other – and perhaps more importantly – of great soul. We would just add that you can cellar them with confidence – we believe they will mature gracefully over the next 5-10 years – but we would hardly blame you for popping the cork and indulging in any of the 2019s, all of which are drinking wonderfully well right now.
Fun Fact: The original hospice was the Hotel Dieu, built in 1443 to house and care for the ill. Fourteen years later, the first vineyard donation was made to the hospice, thus setting the establishment on its present course.
Our Guarantee: We always buy and source directly from the estate, so rest assured: your wines will arrive in your hands with pristine provenance. Secure your order today!