Wife of Nicolas Rolin, founder of the Hospices de Beaune, Guigone de Salins devoted her life to caring for the sick after her husband's death in 1461. The cuvée that pays tribute to her is one of the most remarkable of the auction: it comes mainly from vines in the Climat Les Bressandes, planted between the 1960s and 1980s on steep slopes, which give the wine exceptional richness and complexity. Maison Edouard Delaunay has been buying and ageing these Hospices cuvées since at least 1916, vinifying them with the utmost care before bottling.

The 2021 displays a deep, dense ruby red colour. The nose opens on fully ripe red and black fruit (Burlat cherry, blackberry) with floral notes of rose, before revealing roasted aromas (mocha coffee, toasted hazelnut, dark chocolate) and wild vegetal touches of nettle and dog rose. Hints of Havana cigar, Russian leather and cedar complete a nose of genuine elegance. The palate is round and creamy, with velvety tannins balancing the freshness so characteristic of the 2021 vintage, and very promising ageing potential.

A Charolais beef rib-eye or roast pigeon will bring out the complexity and fruit of this cuvée; game lovers will also find plenty to enjoy. Serve at 16-17°C after 2 hours in a decanter; this Beaune 1er Cru will continue to gain in breadth over the next few years.