Scoring 18 points on the Dionysian scale of a possible 20, the 1972 Hospices de Beaune Volnay  from Henri de Villamont was holding its own!

It had cherry pit aromas over leather and spice. It was decanted 15 minutes before serving and was pure silk.  It took another 45 minutes to fully open. This was Burgundy at its best.

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As you may know, these wines are sold at the November auction held each year at the Hospices de Beaune. This selection was the Cuvee Geneeral-Muteau.

Alcohol was listed at 11% to 14%  and contents as 1 pint 8 Fl. Oz. I’d say it was 12.5% alcohol. It still had color and unlike many New World pinot noirs, it had no syrah added to darken it. As a 44 year-old wine, I was happy to share it with my children. I got the bottle as a gift 38 years ago.  In vino veritas.