2005 Hospices de Beaune Batard Montrachet Cuvee Dames Des Flandres elev. Yves Morey, 1.5ltr

Every November the annual Hospices de Beaune Wine Auction takes place in the heart of Burgundy. The auction is one of the wine world’s most prestigious and historic events. For 157 years the auction – which is a charitable event benefitting a hospital built in the 15th century -- has served as a bellwether for growers, negociants and collectors to gauge the quality of new vintage. The fine Burgundies offered to the participants in the Hospices de Beaune auction are made in very limited quantities, and they represent the best of traditional Burgundian winemaking.

Batard-Montrachet is one of the four great Grand Cru Chardonnay vineyards in the appellation of Puligny-Montrachet, in Burgundy. Like its neighbor Le Montrachet, Batard-Montrachet also lies partly in the Chassagne-Montrachet appellation just to the south of Puligny-Montrachet. At 30 acres, Batard-Montrachet is the largest of four Grand Crus and it is divided into nearly 30 individually owned parcels. Located just to the east of Le Montrachet, the soil of Batard-Montrachet is deeper and less thin. The largest landholders are Leflaive, with 4.5 acres; Ramonet, 1.2 acres; Bachelet-Ramonet, 1.4 acres; and Paul Pernot, 1.5 acres.

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.