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Sotheby’s announces autumn fine wine opener
Auction house Sotheby’s has announced that its first fine wine sale of the autumn season will be in New York this September, marking the 25th anniversary of its NY wine sales.
The sale on 7 September comprises the ‘Magnolia Collection’ from the cellar of “a southern gentleman”.
Featuring 656 lots, largely of “outstanding” mature Bordeaux and Burgundy, key highlights include cases of 1989 Haut_Brion, 1990 Margaux, 2010 Pontet Canet, 1986 Lafleur and 1982 La Mission Haut-Brion as well as bottles of 2002 Clos Saint-Denis from Domaine Dujac, 1990 Cros Parantoux from Emmanuel Rouget and 1990 Bonnes Mares from Georges Roumier.
Sotheby’s began its New York wine sales on 8 October 1994 and at that first sale 1,074 lots were offered which realised a total of US$1.6 million.
As an indicator how how far the wine market has come since that time, the 656 lots at the sale – almost half the number of lots offered at that in 1994 – has a pre-sale estimate of $1.5-2.1m.
Jamie Ritchie, chairman of Sotheby’s wine, said: “We are pleased to open our fall auction season with The Magnolia Collection. The selection of wines on offer this September were amassed by a Southern gentleman and true wine connoisseur. A man of great principal and conviction, this established collector not only possessed a deep knowledge and enjoyment of wines, but also loved comparing the quality of each vintage and maintained a watchful eye on the marketplace.
“He was particularly fastidious with regard to sourcing wines en-primeur, or as soon as they arrived in the US, and ensuring that they were meticulously cared for, during shipment and at his home cellar. He focused on buying, collecting and drinking only the wines made by the best producers, in the finest vintages – those which he enjoyed, appreciated and that received critical acclaim.
“In his business life, he was successful in a number of different industries, showing an innate understanding of each area, a sharp mind and never-ending curiosity. We look forward to presenting this outstanding selection to collectors worldwide this September.”