1992 Domaine d'Auvenay Auxey-Duresses

Domaine d’Auvenay is the private domaine of one of Burgundy’s most extraordinary winemakers, the legendary Lalou Bize-Leroy. Wine reviewers including Robert M. Parker Jr. and Jancis Robinson rave about her wines, which are among the finest in Burgundy. Bize-Leroy’s family has been in the wine business in Burgundy since 1868, and in 1964 she took over her father’s negociant business. The family also owned one-half of Domaine de la Romanee-Conti for much of the 20th century. Bize-Leroy now owns a quarter of DRC and runs the acclaimed Domaine Leroy and the family’s negociant business. Domaine d’Auvenay is located in Meursault and includes 12 acres of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Aligote. The average age of the vines is 65 years. Production is very limited, between 2,000 and 6,000 bottles annually. Because they are made by Madame Lalou, they are some of the most collectible wines in the world.

Côte de Beaune is the southern half of the Côte d’Or. The Côte de Beaune includes 16 villages and appellations. Among the most famous communes are Santenay, Chassagne-Montrachet, Puligny-Montrachet, Meursault, Volnay, Pommard, Beaune and Aloxe-Corton. Three of the communes include Grand Cru vineyards and there are numerous Premier Cru vineyards. Though Côte de Beaune produces outstanding red and white wines, it is especially renowned for its Chardonnays, which are considered the best in the world. The prestigious Grand Cru Chardonnays from the vineyards Corton-Charlemagne, Montrachet, Batard-Montrachet, Chevalier-Montrachet and Bienvenues-Batard-Montrachet are always in high demand. The region takes its name from the village of Beaune, the unofficial capital of Burgundy. Beaune is home to many of Burgundy’s best negociants, including Joseph Drouhin, Louis Jadot and Bouchard Pere et Fils. Beaune is also home to the historic Hospices de Beaune wine auction, an annual event held by local producers for the benefit of a Beaune hospital built in the 15th century.

This white variety originated in Burgundy, but is now grown around the world. Its flexibility to thrive in many regions translates to wide flavor profile in the market. Chardonnay is commonly used in making Champagne and sparkling wines.