1 magnum per lot
Details
WHY LARGE FORMATS?
The presence of an extravagant large bottle at the dinner table immediately energizes the guests with a great sense of anticipation. For a grand occasion everyone can drink from the same bottle and the sheer size of a grand format illuminates the crowd.
There is also, however, good reason for many a connoisseur's love of larger formats. When stored in perfect environmental conditions, these large formats make for wines with incredible youth, because the significantly lower ratio of air to liquid slows the gentle oxidation process that helps wine develop over time and makes for a wine that matures more slowly.
At approximately 10-15 years of age there is a measurable difference in nose and palate between a bottle and a six-liter imperial of the same wine. One could argue, therefore, that wines in larger bottles will remain in the range of their best drinking opportunity for much longer than a smaller bottle.
Most experts agree that it is perhaps the magnum (two regular bottles) that is the optimal sized vessel, but there is nothing better than a bottle measuring almost eighteen inches tall gracing the table.
RB
Château Palmer--Vintage 1961
Cantenac (Margaux), 3me cru classé
"More recently, mature looking; very sweet, soft. Last noted at a pre-sale tasting in New York, Oct 1996 *** Drink soon." MB, Vintage Wine
1 magnum per lot
The presence of an extravagant large bottle at the dinner table immediately energizes the guests with a great sense of anticipation. For a grand occasion everyone can drink from the same bottle and the sheer size of a grand format illuminates the crowd.
There is also, however, good reason for many a connoisseur's love of larger formats. When stored in perfect environmental conditions, these large formats make for wines with incredible youth, because the significantly lower ratio of air to liquid slows the gentle oxidation process that helps wine develop over time and makes for a wine that matures more slowly.
At approximately 10-15 years of age there is a measurable difference in nose and palate between a bottle and a six-liter imperial of the same wine. One could argue, therefore, that wines in larger bottles will remain in the range of their best drinking opportunity for much longer than a smaller bottle.
Most experts agree that it is perhaps the magnum (two regular bottles) that is the optimal sized vessel, but there is nothing better than a bottle measuring almost eighteen inches tall gracing the table.
RB
Château Palmer--Vintage 1961
Cantenac (Margaux), 3me cru classé
"More recently, mature looking; very sweet, soft. Last noted at a pre-sale tasting in New York, Oct 1996 *** Drink soon." MB, Vintage Wine
1 magnum 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.
Sale room notice
MISSING CONDITION: Levels; very top shoulder, slightly loose edge, folded label corner.