Fine wine ‘time capsule’ up for sale

“A veritable time capsule” of fine wines spanning six decades and including much sought after labels from Henri Jayer will go on sale in London at Sotheby’s this May.

Top Burgundy, blue chip Bordeaux, Yquem, grande marque Champagne and Cognac will all be on offer at the sale on 11 May although the auctions “undoubted stars” will be the collection of Henri Jayer.

Particular highlights include several six-bottle cases of the 1972 Richebourg at £18,000 to £24,000 apiece, as well as full cases of the 1976 (valued at £36,000 to £48,000) and 1978 (£60,000 to £72,000).

Eleven bottles of the 1976 Echézeaux with a price tag of £30,000 to £36,000 will also be for sale.

There is an extensive array of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti and some “standout” grand crus from Gros Frère et Soeur to round out the Burgundian offering, while the Bordeaux consignment features rare classics such as 1947 Lafite (£4,000-£5,000 per half dozen) and 1961 Haut-Brion (£5,500-£6,500 per eight).

Fans of Yquem will no doubt be tempted by lots such as a parcel of the 1971 vintage (£2,600-£3,400 per dozen) while Champagnes include bottles and magnums of Gosset, such as the 1983 (£360-£480 per three magnums).

Notable spirits at the sale include various Cognacs as well as The Macallan Special Selection 1964 and The Macallan Special Edition 1965, 17 year-old.

Serena Sutcliffe MW, honorary chairman, Sotheby’s Wine, said: “This is a veritable time capsule of starry wines from six decades, a true ‘Sleeping Beauty’ of a collection, lying untouched for many years.

“Led by the rarities that are Henri Jayer’s landmark vintages, as well as splendid DRC and first growths from fabled years, this is a hidden, vinous treasure-trove. Above all, it is a glorious collection that is full of wines that one can experience with no waiting.”

James Reed, director of Sotheby’s wine department, added: “When we visited a half-forgotten cellar on the Continent, with nothing but a few magical names to entice us, it was a shock to discover not single bottles but full dozens of Pétrus, Yquem, Domaine de la Romanée Conti and, in particular, the stunning wines of Henri Jayer.

“Aside from full cases of his Richebourg 1976 and 1978, we were confronted with no less than four cases of Pétrus 1978 plus further great claret, Burgundy and Cognac from the 1970s and beyond.”