Acker Merrall & Condit, the world’s leading wine auctioneer and authority on fine and rare wine, has announced a week-long celebration dedicated to the wines of Burgundy, those who make them, and those who love them. The Grande Fête de Bourgogne will bring together serious Burgundy collectors and producers of unparalleled renown in a series of incredible events leading up to the first wine auction of the 2018 NYC season.

The Grande Fête de Bourgogne will be a first-of-its-kind offering by Acker Merrall & Condit, presenting Burgundy in some of its most rarefied experiences, featuring a two-day, historic 87-vintage Rousseau ‘Clos’ tasting of Clos de Beze and Clos St Jacques with winemaker Cyrielle Rousseau on February 3rd and 4th and a private lunch with the Comte Louis Michel Liger-Belair.  The week will culminate with a tremendous auction experience at Tavern on the Green, to which each guest will bring at least one bottle of Burgundy to be shared and enjoyed.

On Tuesday, February 6th a Château de la Tour Clos Vougeot dinner with winemaker François Labet ensues, at which guests will taste a suite of vintages dating back to 1961. On Wednesday, Burgundy lovers will then have the opportunity to taste through a complete 20-year vertical of Domaine Haegelen–Jayer, which includes every vintage ever made of this extremely special domaine. These gems of Clos Vougeot were never commercially released – a testament to their rarity.

“Burgundy wines have never been better than they are now,” notes François Labet. “I am thrilled to participate in this gathering of those who produce Burgundy’s finest wines and those who enjoy Burgundy’s finest wines. This physical convergence of the best from Burgundy and its congregation of enthusiasts in New York City makes the Grande Fete de Bourgogne such a special celebration – indeed one of the most important events of the year.”

Thursday, February 8th will feature a tribute to 2014: a challenging vintage that became a victory for Burgundy. Acker will close its doors at 72nd Street for a private celebration of this vintage, with tastings from the great domaines of Bouchard, Cathiard, de Montille, Drouhin, Dujac, Duroche, Faiveley, Fourrier, H. Lignier, Lafarge, Lamarche, Méo-Camuzet, Mugnier, Pernot, Rousseau and Sauzet.

The Grande Fête de Bourgogne auction on Friday, February 9th will be the climax of this week-long celebration. The auction will consist of over 1300 lots, including numerous wines consigned directly from eight of Burgundy’s finest producers: Duroche, Drouhin, Faiveley, Méo-Camuzet, Fourrier, Chateau de la Tour, Haegelen-Jayer and Comte Liger-Belair.

“The Grande Fête de Bourgogne is a most worthy tribute to some of the best wines on Earth!” exclaimed John Kapon, Chairman of Acker Merrall & Condit and the third generation of his family to run the company. “True Burgundy lovers will experience extraordinarily rare gems direct from the cellars of some of Burgundy’s top producers, both in their glasses all week long and at the auction. With lots collectively valued at over $5 million on offer, Friday the 9th is going to be one heck of a day.”

Tickets are extremely limited; if you are interested in attending any of the events, please contact info@ackerwines.com. Acker Merrall & Condit Chairman John Kapon is available for interview.

Read more at source Wine Industry Advisor