“Through the restoration of the “Définitoire” of Cîteaux, it is the Exceptional Universal Value of Burgundy that we are defending and highlighting.”
S otheby’s, in collaboration with Château du Clos de Vougeot and the Fondation du patrimoine, is delighted to present “Clos de Vougeot for Abbaye de Cîteaux | with Ex-Domaine Treasures from Burgundy’s Top Estates”, a one-of-a-kind online Charity Wine Auction with proceeds entirely dedicated to the restoration of the Abbaye de Cîteaux, a historic Tenth Century Abbey in the heart of Burgundy.
Leading this auction is an exclusive Cuvée – last released to the public in 1997 – “Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru 2020 – Cuvée de l’Abbaye de Cîteaux” that has been revived to mark this special occasion.
Comprising only 113 lots, this wine has been jointly produced by 24 notable Domaines which operate in the world-famous “Clos de Vougeot” appellation, the largest single vineyard in Côte de Nuits entitled to the Grand Cru designation.
This incredible Cuvée includes bottles and magnums as well as extraordinarily large formats: Jeroboams, Methuselahs, Salmanazars and Balthazars. In addition, the only Nebuchadnezzar to be produced will be sold in a one-lot live auction at the Chateau du Clos de Vougeot on 23 April, offered exclusively to the dinner guests (see the Gala dinner below).
Aside from this unprecedented Cuvée, this memorable sale is further distinguished by several exclusive lots and outstanding experiences on offer, donated by prestigious Domaines across all parts of Burgundy, in order to raise funds to support the cause. Amongst others, it includes a Jeroboam of La Tâche 2009 from Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, a magnum of Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru 2013 from Domaine Leflaive and an incredible Methuselah of Pommard 1er cru Clos des Epeneaux Monopole 2002 from Comte Armand.
Opening on 8 April 2022 and closing April 23 at 8:15 PM CET, 135 lots will be sold for a wonderful cause.
The entire proceeds from the auction will directly benefit the Fondation du patrimoine for the restoration of the Abbaye de Cîteaux.
Along with the closure of this online auction and under the Patronage of Aubert de Villaine, Président d’Honneur des Climats du Vignoble de Bourgogne, a Charity Gala dinner will be held at the Château du Clos de Vougeot on the evening of 23 April, to raise further funds in support of the cause.
The wine from the 2020 vintage is currently ageing in barrels within the Clos de Vougeot, at the Chateau de la Tour, and will be sold “En Primeur”. This unique Cuvée, last released to the public in 1997, represents the essence and embodiment of the Clos de Vougeot appellation. It is exclusively offered at this auction.
All of the producers below participated in producing this unique Cuvée:
| Domaine d’Ardhuy | Maison Louis Jadot |
| Domaine Bouchard Père et Fils | Domaine Méo-Camuzet |
| Domaine Capitain-Gagnerot | Domaine Michel Noëllat |
| Domaine Charlopin-Parizot | Domaine Mugneret-Gibourg |
| Domaine du Clos Frantin - Albert Bichot | Château Philippe le Hardi |
| Domaine Drouhin-Laroze | Domaine H. Rebourseau |
| Maison Dufouleur Frères | Maison Remoissenet |
| Domaine d’Eugenie | Domaine René Dubois |
| Domaine Faiveley | Domaine Thibault Liger-Belair |
| Domaine François Lamarche | Château de la Tour |
| Domaine Jacques Prieur | Domaine de la Vougeraie |
| Maison Joseph Drouhin |
“Long and very fine and certain to keep for a generation or more”
“There is a warm, sensuous nose of total appellation character and superb health that greets you on first meeting”
“Bright, mid garnet. Intense, ripe nose offers immediate pleasure with red-cherry notes”
“Supple and perfumed, it is remarkably sensual for a young Clos Vougeot, with powdery tannins and an enveloping core of fragrant, succulent fruit.”
"It is the texture that really makes an impression: smooth and velvety without a single hard edge"
To celebrate this Cuvée, a unique label has been produced by professional illustrators as per the Cistercian tradition.
This original creation in the Cistercian style was specially designed by calligrapher and illustrator Christelle Sordel.
The original artwork has been designed with natural pigments, prepared with a medieval tempera and enhanced with gold leaf. It took 80 hours of work to design.
The label illustrates the strong historical links between the Clos de Vougeot and the Abbey of Cîteaux.
Each of the Clos de Vougeot lots will be packed in a specially prepared presentation coffret commissioned for this sale. It is stunningly beautiful, the exterior being composed of fine-grained first quality oak, the hinged lid finished with marquetry and featuring the outline of the door of the Définitoire building, inlaid in brass. The logo is applied by silk screening, which brings a hint of modernism and high definition to the whole. The casket is then protected by a plain cardboard outer. This case was produced by Les Ateliers de Langalerie, based in Dijon.
Several partner wine estates have also donated wine to the Fondation du patrimoine to support this noble project.
With impeccable provenance (all directly ex-Domaine), these exceptional bottles include the most sought-after wines and the most prestigious estates in all of Burgundy: Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Comte Liger-Belair, Domaine Emmanuel Rouget, Domaine Roumier and many others.
Most of these lots are offered in large formats and are rarely seen on the market, such as a Jéroboam of La Tâche 2009 from Domaine de la Romanée Conti, a rarely seen Montrachet, The Exceptional Harvest of 7 Domaines 2016, a Jeroboam of Musigny 2007 from Domaine Jacques-Frédéric Mugnier or a magnum of Bonnes-Mares 2015 from Domaine G. Roumier, just to name a few.
In addition to the wine, as a token of appreciation, many of the partner wineries are offering buyers exclusive Experiences at their Domaines (please see the lots page for more details).
These 22 ultimate lots, offer a rare chance to obtain the finest wines with the most impeccable provenance; a visit to Burgundy's top estates; or a private tasting of some of the best wines in the world.
Founded in 1098 by Abbot Robert de Molesmes, the Cîteaux Abbey is the birthplace of the Cistercian order, the source of all the Cistercian communities in the world.
The spirit of Cîteaux has left a profound technical, artistic and architectural heritage in Burgundy and across Europe.
The Great Abbey was severely damaged during the French Revolution, the buildings being demolished to make use of the materials.
Today, the abbey is still very active and hosts a community of 35 monks, who follow the Cistercian traditional daily life and also produce the famous cheese named after the abbey. Today only three buildings still stand, all listed as Historical Monuments:
- The Great Library, built in 1509
- The Lenoir Wing, which houses the monastic community today
- The Définitoire, built in the last quarter of the 17th Century.
This last building is the focus of the present restoration project. Consisting of a large vaulted room extending over more than a thousand square meters, it was where the annual assemblies of abbots across the Cistercian community was held.
The Définitoire is currently in a poor state, its restoration now being essential for its survival.
Participating in the auction is a rare opportunity to buy great wines while actively supporting the preservation of one of the World’s most prestigious heritage sites.
The Château du Clos de Vougeot is standing at the very heart of Burgundy’s vineyards. Originally a wine estate, it developed over the centuries and is now also the headquarters of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Climats de Bourgogne”, as well as a strong symbol of the spirit of Burgundy.
