A Wine Story of Passion and Rivalry
Among the world’s most fascinating and highly coveted wines—alongside Château Pétrus, Romanée-Conti, and Screaming Eagle—are the legendary creations of Domaine Armand Rousseau. Their Chambertin Clos de Bèze is a tribute to Burgundy’s monastic heritage, a symbol of centuries-old tradition and uncompromising quality. But this exceptional wine is sought after not only for its taste and rarity but also for its intriguing history—one shaped by ambition, inspiration, and a hint of rivalry.
The Legend of Clos de Bèze
The origins of this extraordinary vineyard date back to the 7th century, when the Duke of Burgundy granted the Abbey of Bèze a generous piece of land for agricultural use. The monks, guided by spiritual devotion and refined taste, decided to perfect the art of viticulture. They enclosed their vineyard with a protective wall—both a safeguard and a mark of exclusivity—and named it Clos de Bèze.
Centuries later, in the 13th century, a resourceful vintner named Bertin entered the scene. He tasted the monks’ wine and was deeply impressed. Driven by ambition and a grand vision, he acquired an adjacent plot of land, which he named Champs de Bertin. His goal was to produce a wine just as exceptional. Before long, his reputation grew, and his wine became known as Chambertin.
When the monks of Bèze learned of this rising rival, they felt a mixture of admiration and envy. Recognizing that Bertin’s wine matched their own in quality and prestige, they made a bold decision: They renamed their vineyard Chambertin Clos de Bèze, merging the legacy of their ancient monastic estate with the emerging fame of Chambertin. This strategic move ensured their continued prominence—an effect that endures to this day.
Domaine Armand Rousseau – A Synonym for Excellence
Today, Domaine Armand Rousseau is one of the brightest stars in the Burgundy wine universe. Their wines are renowned not only for their power, elegance, and longevity but also for their rare and highly coveted bottlings, which fetch astronomical prices at auctions. The 1985 vintage, for example, has been described by critics such as Allen Meadows as “incredibly seductive,” while Robert Parker praised it for its “unparalleled purity.“
The Auction History of Chambertin Clos de Bèze
The Chambertin Clos de Bèze from Armand Rousseau is an icon that excites collectors worldwide. Since the 1990s, various vintages have regularly appeared at prestigious auctions, consistently achieving record-breaking prices. A case of 12 bottles from the legendary 1990 vintage was sold at Sotheby’s for over €80,000. Similarly, the 1999, 2005, and 2010 vintages—famed for their remarkable structure and aging potential—have frequently commanded prices between €30,000 and €70,000 per case at auctions hosted by Christie’s and Acker Merrall & Condit.
One particularly spectacular sale occurred in 2021, when a single bottle of the 1945 vintage changed hands for €15,000 at Bonhams. These figures not only reflect the exclusivity of this wine but also its enduring allure, captivating collectors and connoisseurs for centuries.
Octavian Vaults – The Treasury for Fine Wines
Such exquisite wines require equally exceptional storage. Many collectors entrust their treasures to Octavian Vaults, a British company specializing in secure, professional wine storage. Their wines rest deep beneath the Wiltshire Hills, in a former stone quarry that provides the perfect conditions for aging. A certificate from Octavian—secured with a hologram, an individual audit number, and numismatic security features—is regarded as the gold standard for authentic, impeccably stored wines. As Nigel Jagger, the founder of Octavian, emphasizes:”There is nothing stopping your wine from reaching its full potential when it comes straight from the producer or a reputable wine merchant to our cellars.”Wines stored at Octavian Vaults frequently command the highest bids at auctions—clear proof that perfect storage makes all the difference.
A Wine for the Ages
Chambertin Clos de Bèze is more than just an outstanding wine—it is a living piece of history, shaped by wise monks, ambitious vintners, and passionate collectors. Its flavors tell a story of centuries of refinement, rivalry, and inspiration.
To hold a bottle of Chambertin Clos de Bèze is to possess not just a remarkable vintage, but a legacy that transcends time. And while some bottles continue to mature in deep cellars, the legend of Chambertin Clos de Bèze will be passed down through each new generation of wine enthusiasts.
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Photo Credit: © Domaine Armand Rousseau
