SUPERB CLARET, VINTAGES 1964-1975
The Property of the late Yul Brynner
Recently shipped from the perfect temperature and humidity-controlled cellars in the manor house near Deauville in Normandy, where Mr Brynner spent much of his time
Lying London, S.E.1
Yul Brynner, born in 1920 of Swiss-Mongolian parentage, had one of the most distinctive faces in the world of stage and film of which he was such a distinguished part from the 1950s to the 1970s. His immediately recognisable bald head, sharp features and powerful build became well-known to millions through his portrayal of the King of Siam in the hugely successful Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, The King & I.
Brynner's reputation and career were inextricably linked with this character (originally intended for Rex Harrison who, fortunately for Brynner, was not available) which he originally played against Gertrude Lawrence, and against Deborah Kerr in the film version (1956). It won him an Oscar in 1957, and it has been estimated that he played the rôle almost 4,500 times over a period of thirty-five years.
His film career spanned from 1949 (aged 29, having expressed an ambition in his early teens to be a film star by the time he was 30) to 1976 and comprised some forty films. The best-known amongst these included The King & I and The Ten Commandments (both 1956), The Brothers Karamazov (1958), The Magnificent Seven (1960) and The Return of The Seven (1966).
His collection of wine appears to have been built up around the apogee of his career. It is self-evident that he was both knowledgeable and well-advised, and by all accounts took the subject of his cellar extremely seriously. His buying appears to have taken place wherever he happened to be at the time. He was a regular buyer at auction. The younger wines were purchased directly through one of Bordeaux's most reputable négociants.
Château Lafite--Vintage 1964
Details
Château Lafite--Vintage 1964
Pauillac, 1er cru classé. Château-bottled
Labels slightly soiled. Levels base of neck or better
In original wooden cases
1 dozen bottles per dozen
Pauillac, 1er cru classé. Château-bottled
Labels slightly soiled. Levels base of neck or better
In original wooden cases
1 dozen bottles per dozen