90 years of claret to lead London sale

Sotheby’s opening fine wine sale of the year in London will feature top Bordeaux dating back to the 1920s among its consignments.

Taking place on 22 February, the sale features a “superb” private collection “bursting” with Bordeaux spanning the years 1922 to 2005, incorporating of course all the greatest names of the Left and Right Banks.

The consignment includes some notable large formats including magnum of 1961 Latour, a Jeroboam of 1982 Mouton Rothschild, an imperial of 1989 Pétrus and double magnums and an imperial of 2000 Cheval Blanc.

As Sotheby’s noted about part of the collection: “The first part of this 610-lot collection was recently removed from a damp, underground cellar, conditions that have been excellent for the wine itself, if not the labels. As a result, these bottles carry enticing estimates, offering wine lovers an opportunity to acquire iconic vintages that are ready to drink or on the cusp of maturity.”

The oldest wine up for sale is a single bottle of 1922 Haut-Brion which has an estimate of £400-£500 while a further two bottles of 1928 Gruaud Larose are on sale for £1,600 – £2,200.

Burgundy is well-represented by Georges Roumier, Méo-Camuzet, Anne Gros and Domaine du Comte Liger-Belair; as well as a 2003-2012 vertical of Clos de Tart.

The Champagne part of the sale includes 1990 Salon and Krug as well as a Jeroboam of 2002 Cristal, while other treasures cover 1982 Quinta do Noval Nacional (6 bottles), 1970 Fonseca (12 bottles) and Vouvray Le Haut Lieu 1947 from Huet (12 bottles).

The full catalogue is available to view here.