Wine Legends

Wine Legends: More Treasures From An Exceptional Private Collection

A warm welcome to our special May auction: Wine Legends: More Treasures from An Exceptional Private Collection, proudly presented by Bonhams Wine UK.

This superb auction of 270 lots will open for bidding on 21st May at 12 noon and will close online at 30 second intervals on 4th June starting at 12 noon BST// 1pm CET // 7am EST // 8pm HKT.

These carefully chosen wines represent a further selection of superb bottles from the cellar of a European entrepreneur, who has been collecting since his thirties. Initially, the owner, whose business interests took him around the world bought wine with the eclectic enthusiasm befitting his global lifestyle. While his passion for fine wines, particularly those from the classic regions of France is undiminished, he has reluctantly realised that despite his great enjoyment and generosity as a host to friends and family, his collection must be judiciously thinned out.

With 1970's champagne from Krug and Lanson opening the auction, the collection blossoms into fabulous clarets, vintages spanning 60 vintages; from Château Lafite Rothschild 1945 to Château L'Eglise-Clinet 2005 after which a very rare bottle of Château d'Yquem 1893 heads the few beautifully chosen dessert wines.

We then reach the essence of this collection: 77 lots of truly outstanding Burgundy, spanning vintages 1971 to 2006. Included amongst these treasures are many wines from Leroy, Domaine de la Romanée-Conti and Domaine d'Auvenay; while further eye-catching lots include the esteemed names of Prieuré-Roch, Rouget, Claude Dugat, Coche-Dury and Domaine Leflaive. Before leaving France, rarities from the Rhône include Châteauneuf-du-Pape from Rayas and Henri Bonneau.

From Italy, the owner chose superb Barolo and Barbaresco from the famed cellars of Giacomo Conterno, Bruno Giacosa and Roberto Voerzio; while from the Veneto, Amarone from Quintarelli and Dal Forno stand out. Also featured are many famous and highly desirable Tuscan wines such as Brunello di Montalcino from leading estates and Masseto. Spanish highlights include Artadi's Riojas and Vega Sicilia.

Tempting bottles of Penfolds Grange and Henschke Hill of Grace precede another thrilling feature of this collection: 44 lots of stunning Californian wines, including superb bottles of Bryant, Colgin, Harlan, Sine Qua Non and Screaming Eagle. As we near the end of this exceptional collection, the remarkable quality continues by way of venerable Madeira, fabulous Vintage Port and rare Fine and Marc de Bourgogne from Domaine de la Romanée-Conti and de Vogüe.

Prior to inspection by Bonhams specialists these wines have been stored carefully in perfect conditions; either in the owner's cellar at his London home or in professional storage since he acquired them. The majority of bottles were purchased in the US and have Soutirage tags

Lying duty paid in Bonhams storage at London City Bond, Dinton, Wiltshire.

Highlights Selection:
• Château Gruaud-Larose 1961
• Petrus 1975
• Château d'Yquem 1893
• Chambertin Clos de Bèze 1996 (Prieuré-Roch)
• Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru, Les Brûlées 2002 (Leroy)
• Corton-Charlemagne 1990 (J-F Coche-Dury)
• Chevalier-Montrachet 1996 (d'Auvenay)
• Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Cuvée Spéciale 1998 (Henri Bonneau)
• Barolo Riserva, Monfortino 1987 (Giacomo Conterno)
• Harlan Estate 2004

This collection represents a wonderful opportunity to acquire an enticing variety of rare wines from across the world that are virtually all mature and ready to enjoy. With estimates starting at £200 there will truly be something for everyone. We very much hope that you will enjoy browsing these diverse and tempting wines; if you would like any further information or assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us: [email protected]

Contents:
Mature Vintage Champagne: lots 1-2
Fabulous Claret, spanning 60 years from the great vintage of 1945, including rare double-magnums of Petrus and Lafite: lots 3 to 32
Excellent Yquem, including a rare bottle of 1893, Tokaji and German Dessert Wines: lots 33 to 40
Superb Red Burgundy, featuring an impressive selection of highly esteemed wines from Leroy, also Domaine de la Romanée-Conti & many other prized producers: lots 41 to 82
Fine White Burgundy, featuring rare bottles from Coche-Dury and d'Auvenay: lots 83 to 118
Highly regarded wines from the Rhone & Southern France: lots 119 to 135
Superb bottles from Italy, featuring leading estates in Piemonte, the Veneto and Tuscany: lots 136 to 185
Spain, including 4 vintages of Vega Sicilia Unico also Priorat & Mature Rioja: lots 186 to 204
Australian Classics from Penfolds & Henschke: lots 205 to 209
Outstanding Californian wines from Bryant, Colgin, Harlan, Sine Qua Non & Screaming Eagle: lots 210 to 254
Rare bottles of Madeira & Vintage Port, including featuring 1795 Terrantez & 1931 Quinta do Noval: lots 255 to 268
Fine & Marc de Bourgogne: lots 269 to 270