LONDON.- Sotheby’s London sale of Finest & Rarest Wines on 22 April 2015 comprises 332 lots and is estimated to bring a combined total in excess of 500,000.
The sale begins with a magnificent collection of First and Second Growth Bordeaux along with Right Bank superstars from 1998 to 2005. Le Pin, considered by Serena Sutcliffe, Sotheby's International Head of Wine, to be 'a world unto itself', is available in six-bottle offerings of the 1998 and 2000 vintages, estimated respectively at 7,500-10,000 (8) and 10,000-13,000 (22-23). Elsewhere in the sale, Le Pin devotees will be drawn to the 2009 and 2010 vintages, available respectively in three-bottle and two-bottles lots, estimated at 5,500-6,500 (161) and 3,000-4,000 (163).
All of the First Growths in the 2000 vintage are featured, including Mouton Rothschild in six-bottle and 12-bottle lots, estimated respectively to bring 4,600-5,500 (18) and 9,000-11,000 (19).
Loville Las Cases 2000, 'still a relative bargain for this great quality', estimated at 820-1,000 per six bottles (20) and a complete case of the 'big, structured and powerful' Loville Barton 2001, estimated at 440-550 (32) are highlights of the Super Seconds selection.
Not to be missed is a six-bottle offering of Ptrus 2001, 'always bound to be a winner, given the quality of Pomerol in this vintage', estimated at 6,000-8,000 (35). Staying in Pomerol, the 'youthful and vibrant' l'Evangile 2002 is estimated to bring 600-800 per 12 bottles (59-60).
For a Left and Right Bank comparison, collectors can pit the 'sensational' Lafite 2003 against the 'triumphant' Ausone 2003, with 12 bottles of the Pauillac First Growth estimated at 5,500-7,000 (64) and six bottles of the St. Emilion blockbuster estimated to bring 3,000-3,600 (76).
Another star lot is Montrose 2005, a Super Second 'with First Growth weight'. A full case carries an estimate of 700-900 (86).
White Bordeaux is distinguished by 12-bottle cases of Haut Brion Blanc in the 2001, 2002 and 2003 vintages, with estimates starting at 3,200-4,000 upwards to 4,000-4,600 (90-92, the 2003 vintage).
A further Bordeaux collection features the outstanding 2009 and 2010 vintages, including two complete cases of Ducru Beaucaillou 2009, estimated at 1,500-2,000 per lot (103-104), and a case of Anglus 2009, estimated to bring 1,900-2,400 (112). The 'historic' Lafite 2010 is estimated at 2,200-2,800 per six bottles (115 116), while the 'tip-top' Margaux 2010 carries an estimate of 4,000-5,000 per 12 bottles (117). Also from Margaux, the 'superb' Palmer 2010, predicted by Serena Sutcliffe to have 'a very long life', is estimated at 1,700-2,400 (122) per 12 bottles.
Following the remarkable success of Sotheby's Mouton Rothschild sale in Hong Kong in January 2015, the sale continues with a headline offering of Mouton Rothschild 1959, one of the greatest Moutons ever produced. Two magnums with perfect provenance are estimated at 15,000-20,000 each (144-145), providing a rare opportunity to own a true vinous legend in a special format. This gem of a collection also boasts a case of Mouton 1982, 'the ultimate come hither First Growth', estimated at 7,500-10,000 (146).
A fascinating collection of Italian wines features a selection from producers such as Tua Rita and Duemani, including two cases of Redigaffi 2007, estimated at 880-1,100 (195-196).
From the Ornellaia estate in Tuscany, a case of the 'velvety' 1995 vintage is estimated to bring 950-1,200 (236), while a delectable selection of Port is highlighted by a case of Taylor 1985, estimated at 400-500 (245), both perfect for anniversary celebrations.
Distinguishing the sale is a plethora of prestige Champagne from diverse collections. From Dom Prignon Ros 2000 and 2002, estimated respectively at 800-1,100 (140) and 950-1,200 (142) per 6 bottles to a rare magnum of Krug Collection 1969, 'one of the great classic Champagne bouquets of all time', estimated at 1,200-1,600 (252), Krug Clos du Mesnil 1985, with an estimate of 2,200-2,800 per three bottles (268) and three bottles of Bollinger Vieilles Vignes Franaises 1988, estimated to bring 1,500-2,000 (270), this is a sale for Champagne-lovers. Dom Prignon 1990, 1998 and 2000 (219-220, 222-226, 228-232) together with Louis Roederer Cristal Brut 1990 estimated at 1,500-2,000 (221) per six bottles add to the allure, while a striking 12-bottle lot of Taittinger Collection – in vintages spanning 1978 through to 2002 and each with a label designed by a different artist, including Roy Lichtenstein and Zao Wou-ki – is estimated at 1,600-2,000 (275).
The sale concludes on a high-note with a six-bottle case of the ‘unbeatable and stunning’ Ptrus 1982, estimated at 17,000-20,000 (318) and from Italy, three magnums of the ‘miraculous’ Sassicaia 1985, estimated at 6,000-7,000, alongside an Imperial of the ‘complex’ 1998 vintage, estimated to bring 1,000-1,500 (324).
