Here’s something very special for the more adventurous. In 1997 a sealed cellar in Beaune was opened, only for it to be discovered that it contained several barrels of a fine old marc, presumably from Meursault chardonnay. The spirit had lain undisturbed since the second World War and hadn’t been topped up for 55 years. 120 bottles of what has since been packaged as Gabriel Boudier Grande Fine de Bourgogne have been allocated to Australia. It’s wonderfully spicy and presents a supple, yet assertive palate of superbly delicate vanilla, almond and lanolin like flavours. It’s available from Porters Blackburn (Vic) and the Ultimo Liquor Centre (NSW) for around $95.
