FEATURES ARCHIVE

The transition from the 20th to the 21st century provided a unique opportunity to stand astride a fleeting moment of history and observe the prolific growth and development of the wine trade. This led to the rather optimistic belief that the Millennium Vintage 2000 would produce wines of a range and quality that would develop and mature memorably over the succeeding years, becoming an icon of the time.

However, despite meticulous planning, there was no guarantee that wines of the 2000 vintage would fulfill their exciting potential. Over the past several centuries, connoisseurs have been intrigued by the challenging variations in quality and style of claret vintages that are notably affected by Bordeaux’s maritime climate and the unpredictability of weather conditions during each vine-growing season. The year 2000 was no exception, with its mild spring and unseasonably warm March, which advanced the bud break. Despite the warm weather continuing up to April, the end of May was wet, which adversely affected the crucial flowering period. More damp conditions continued with a depressingly overcast and humid June and July.

The châteaux proprietors and the ever-expectant trade were filled with foreboding; but due to a miraculous spell of warm weather from August to September, vineyards basked in almost unbroken sunshine, resulting in fine ripening conditions. The excellent quality of the vintage was undeniably confirmed by tastings in the spring, and the launch of a successful en primeur campaign with wines purchased in advance for delivery at a later date after élévage and bottling by each châteaux.

One of the shrewd and knowledgeable en primeur buyers was the owner of this extraordinary and extensive collection of the finest wines from this exceptional vintage. The wines are set to go under the hammer at two major sales: the first, at Christie’s South Kensington, will include around 1,400 12-bottle cases from 50 different châteaux; the second is to be held at King Street. Across the two sales over 3,000 cases from more than 70 châteaux will be auctioned, ranging from ready-to drink wines, through a gamut of classed growths, to exceptional premier cru classé châteaux promising a long-lasting life ahead. At each sale a Superlot of one case of each of the châteaux listed will be offered.

This unprecedented single-owner sale of over 40,000 bottles of the superb 2000 vintage is a unique opportunity to purchase claret of unimpeachable provenance, which has been maintained in-bond under perfect storage conditions since shipment directly from the châteaux.This occasion is not to be missed by any serious collector or enthusiast of fine Bordeaux.

Christie’s is the only auctioneer to offer sales on three continents, including four European countries, the United States, and Hong Kong, providing collectors with the widest and most regular international auction schedule.