Montrachet dominates expensive white Burgundy at auction
Thomas Jefferson proclaimed Montrachet the greatest dry white wine in the world. Based on 2006 auction results, Jefferson would still be right as 19 of the top 20 (and 46 of the top 50) most expensive white Burgundy wines sold at auction in 2006 came from this small (8 hectare, or about 20 acre) grand cru vineyard.The "thrill factor"In issue #10 (April 2003) of Allen Meadows' Burghound, he has a special report on Montrachet. In it, he talks about what makes great wines special:"The extra dimension...as to why these wines, and Montrachet in particular, seem to rise above their lesser neighbors is because they possess the 'thrill factor'...the ability to consistently deliver an emotionally thrilling experience, where our notions of wine as a beverage are transcended and we are transported elsewhere. This is the hallmark of a truly magnificent wine and where dry white wines are concerned, Montrachet is capable of delivering this experience more often than any other."Montrachet facts- The vineyard is equally divided between the villages of Puligny-Montrachet and Chassagne-Montrachet.
- According to Meadows, as of 1999, there were 16 separate proprietors after certain family holdings were consolidated (not especially unusual compared to other top grand crus).
- Approximately 78% is held by 5 of the 16 domaines led by Marquis de Laguiche (25.8%, vinified and marketed by Joseph Drouhin), Baron Thenard (22.9%, marketed by Maison Roland Remoissenet et Fils), Bouchard Pere et Fils (13.8%), DRC (8.5%), and Jacques Prieur (7.4%).
- Average production from all producers is a bit over 52,000 bottles or 4,300-4,400 cases.
The Top 20 most expensive white Burgundies at auction in 2006
The table below lists the top 20 most expensive white Burgundy wines sold at major auction houses in 2006 (based on data from the January 2007 edition of the Wine Price File). The price shown is the average price of the bottle count sold. Data presented is for 750ml bottles only and prices include the auction buyer's premium.
Post a comment
(You may need to be approved by the site owner before your comment will appear. Until then, it won't appear on the entry. Thanks for waiting.)