19 half-bottles per lot
Details
AN IMPORTANT PRIVATE COLLECTION
Property of a renowned gourmet and fine wine aficionado
Recently removed from a private home cellar built for the specific purpose of cellaring wine. Temperature & humidity constantly maintained between 48 F and 52 F
I have had the great fortune to work in many fine cellars around the nation and most recently overseas. The common thread linking all of these great experiences together can be summed up as passion.
Passion for life is at the heart of this particular collector's raison d'ÊTRE.
This Gentleman has been widely described by his family and friends as a pillar to his community. One of his earliest passions could be said to be his love of classical music. As he matured in life his love of classical music never waned. His long held dedication with charitable events and his knowledge of wine naturally lead to a combination of his passions, classical music and wine became a perfect fit for him. In this capacity his tireless dedication, energy and creativity facilitated the raising of funds for the support of music in the local school system.
This enthusiasm for music was balanced by his passion and connoisseurship of gourmet food and fine wine. He was a well respected member of several wine societies of America and was known to many notable and influential personalities in the world of fine dining and wine. Close local friendships with the likes of Robert Mondavi, and Narsai David, the accomplished San Francisco Bay Area chef and restaurant owner, and friendships with the likes of Michael Broadbent, Hugh Johnson and Harry Waugh added richness to his understanding of this vast subject.
The following collection represents the cellar in its entirety as of this year. It was clearly acquired and maintained for the sole purpose of enjoyment, to be shared with family and friends. Much of this cellar contained many of the last century's greatest vintages and producers, but as you will see there is a modest and exploratory component to the selections as well.
Leading off the collection and highlighted on our front cover are the remaining nineteen half-bottles of the legendary 1947 Cheval Blanc, all from an original case. From half-bottles to Grand Format, the next series of lots is an exploration of mature large format, a condition rarely seen at auction. Here you will find a magnum of the legendary 1961 Palmer, rare magnums of 1962 Lafleur, and magnum case lots from such luminaries as Haut Brion, Lafite-Rothschild, Mouton-Rothschild, and Cheval Blanc all from the great 1989 vintage. Looking for something bigger? Double-magnums of early-eighties Mouton-Rothschild, Pichon Lalande and Lynch Bages are just but a few pages away. For those seeking out mature selections from Bordeaux's great 1966 vintage you'll find an Imperial each from Lafite Rothschild, Léoville Las Cases and Beychevelle.
The range of Burgundies is equally as impressive. Naturally, notable examples from the vineyards of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti are available. In particular vintage selections of La Tâche: 1953, 1959, 1961, 1962, 1964, 1970, 1972, 1985 and 1988. There can also be found a featurette of early last century Docteur Barolet selections dating back to 1921. One of the rarest in this selection of fine Burgundies consists of a rare format Dujac, a 1985 jeroboam (lot 597) of Clos de la Roche in original wooden case.
This collection has nearly everything any buyer could want. There are the rarities of course but there are also more modest selections to explore. We truly believe that this collection offers something for everyone.
Christie's is honored to present this Important Private Collection.
Scott Torrence
Vice President
Château Cheval-Blanc--Vintage 1947
Saint-Emilion, 1er grand cru classé (A)
Levels: six very top, eight top, two upper and three mid shoulder; lightly corroded capsules, damp faded labels; chateau bottled; Cruse neck labels; imported by Lord's Limited Washington DC
"What can I say about this mammoth wine that is more like port than dry red table wine? The 1947 Cheval Blanc exhibits such a thick texture it could double as motor oil. The huge nose of fruitcake, chocolate, leather, coffee, and Asian spices is mind-boggling. The unctuous texture and richness of sweet fruit are amazing. Consider the fact that this wine is, technically, appallingly deficient in acidity and excessively high in alcohol. Moreover, its volatile acidity levels would be considered intolerable by modern day oenologists. Yet how can they explain that after 47 years the wine is still remarkably fresh, phenomenally concentrated, and profoundly complex? It has to make you wonder about the direction of modern day winemaking. Except for one dismal, murky, troubled, volatile double-magnum, this wine has been either perfect or nearly perfect every time I have had it." Robert Parker, Bordeaux Book, 3rd Edition (1998)
19 half-bottles per lot
Property of a renowned gourmet and fine wine aficionado
Recently removed from a private home cellar built for the specific purpose of cellaring wine. Temperature & humidity constantly maintained between 48 F and 52 F
I have had the great fortune to work in many fine cellars around the nation and most recently overseas. The common thread linking all of these great experiences together can be summed up as passion.
Passion for life is at the heart of this particular collector's raison d'ÊTRE.
This Gentleman has been widely described by his family and friends as a pillar to his community. One of his earliest passions could be said to be his love of classical music. As he matured in life his love of classical music never waned. His long held dedication with charitable events and his knowledge of wine naturally lead to a combination of his passions, classical music and wine became a perfect fit for him. In this capacity his tireless dedication, energy and creativity facilitated the raising of funds for the support of music in the local school system.
This enthusiasm for music was balanced by his passion and connoisseurship of gourmet food and fine wine. He was a well respected member of several wine societies of America and was known to many notable and influential personalities in the world of fine dining and wine. Close local friendships with the likes of Robert Mondavi, and Narsai David, the accomplished San Francisco Bay Area chef and restaurant owner, and friendships with the likes of Michael Broadbent, Hugh Johnson and Harry Waugh added richness to his understanding of this vast subject.
The following collection represents the cellar in its entirety as of this year. It was clearly acquired and maintained for the sole purpose of enjoyment, to be shared with family and friends. Much of this cellar contained many of the last century's greatest vintages and producers, but as you will see there is a modest and exploratory component to the selections as well.
Leading off the collection and highlighted on our front cover are the remaining nineteen half-bottles of the legendary 1947 Cheval Blanc, all from an original case. From half-bottles to Grand Format, the next series of lots is an exploration of mature large format, a condition rarely seen at auction. Here you will find a magnum of the legendary 1961 Palmer, rare magnums of 1962 Lafleur, and magnum case lots from such luminaries as Haut Brion, Lafite-Rothschild, Mouton-Rothschild, and Cheval Blanc all from the great 1989 vintage. Looking for something bigger? Double-magnums of early-eighties Mouton-Rothschild, Pichon Lalande and Lynch Bages are just but a few pages away. For those seeking out mature selections from Bordeaux's great 1966 vintage you'll find an Imperial each from Lafite Rothschild, Léoville Las Cases and Beychevelle.
The range of Burgundies is equally as impressive. Naturally, notable examples from the vineyards of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti are available. In particular vintage selections of La Tâche: 1953, 1959, 1961, 1962, 1964, 1970, 1972, 1985 and 1988. There can also be found a featurette of early last century Docteur Barolet selections dating back to 1921. One of the rarest in this selection of fine Burgundies consists of a rare format Dujac, a 1985 jeroboam (lot 597) of Clos de la Roche in original wooden case.
This collection has nearly everything any buyer could want. There are the rarities of course but there are also more modest selections to explore. We truly believe that this collection offers something for everyone.
Christie's is honored to present this Important Private Collection.
Scott Torrence
Vice President
Château Cheval-Blanc--Vintage 1947
Saint-Emilion, 1er grand cru classé (A)
Levels: six very top, eight top, two upper and three mid shoulder; lightly corroded capsules, damp faded labels; chateau bottled; Cruse neck labels; imported by Lord's Limited Washington DC
"What can I say about this mammoth wine that is more like port than dry red table wine? The 1947 Cheval Blanc exhibits such a thick texture it could double as motor oil. The huge nose of fruitcake, chocolate, leather, coffee, and Asian spices is mind-boggling. The unctuous texture and richness of sweet fruit are amazing. Consider the fact that this wine is, technically, appallingly deficient in acidity and excessively high in alcohol. Moreover, its volatile acidity levels would be considered intolerable by modern day oenologists. Yet how can they explain that after 47 years the wine is still remarkably fresh, phenomenally concentrated, and profoundly complex? It has to make you wonder about the direction of modern day winemaking. Except for one dismal, murky, troubled, volatile double-magnum, this wine has been either perfect or nearly perfect every time I have had it." Robert Parker, Bordeaux Book, 3rd Edition (1998)
19 half-bottles per lot
Special notice
From time to time, Christie's may offer a lot which it owns in whole or in part. This is such a lot.