AWC offer hints at US resurgence

An offer of large format bottles by the Antique Wine Company has been driven by positive signs of recovery in the US market says the company’s founder.

AWC recently sent out an offer exclusively composed of large formats from magnum to Nebuchadnezzar of various fine wines from its inventory.

Particular highlights include: a magnum of 1961 Latour (£10,000), a Nebchadnezzar of 2011 Yquem (£7,245), a magnum of 1969 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti La Tâche (£5,500), a Jeroboam of 1973 DRC Montrachet (£15,000), a magnum of 1985 Dom Pérignon (£500) and a Jeroboam of 1997 Solengo Argiano (£630).

Speaking to the drinks business, AWC’s founder, Stephen Williams (pictured), said part of the reason for the offer was the, “resurgence of American demand…given that the US market has always had an appetite for big bottles”.

The strength of the Asian market in recent years, he explained, had taken some of the focus off large formats as Asian buyers tend not to favour them as much, preferring single bottles instead.

However, he added, demand for magnums and up was growing again and coupled with the solid performance of AWC’s US business pointed to a strengthening of the US market.

Also in the offer is the first release of the Hospices de Beaune Corton Clos du Roi Cuvée Baronne du Baÿ 2011, which was the ‘Pièce des Présidents’ at the Hospices de Beaune auction and which was bought by Williams.

Vinified by Albert Bichot, 10 Jeroboams and seven lots of six magnums are included in the offer at £960 and £2,580 apiece respectively.