The annual 2012 Hospices de Beaune wine auction in Burgundy was recently concluded with some high priced action. This auction of whole barrel lots traditionally sets the tone and pricing for the whole vintage to come, as industry heavyweights bid for the best lots. The event was supposed to have been graced by French actor, Gerard Depardieu who ended up being a no show. However, wife of ex-French President (Carla Bruni-Sarkozy) was still able to persuade bidders to part with 270 000 Euros for a single charity barrel of the Presidents’ lot…not too shabby. The auction raised the most money since year 2000, due in part to strong Asian demand. This augers well for the excellent 2012 Burgundy vintage, but like Bordeaux, those of us who actually like to drink wine from this region may soon find it a little out of financial reach 🙁
See the full story at Decanter here.