Château Latour--Vintage 1964

No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VA… Read more

A MAGNIFICENT CONTINENTAL PRIVATE CELLAR By David Elswood - International Head of Christie's Wine Department October 23rd, 2004 In the long history of Christie's wine auctions (since 1766) amongst the most notable and successful sales have been those devoted to the wines of a single collector. From the numerous 18th Century sales titled 'The Property of a Nobleman', right through to the record-breaking 'Grands Crus' in 1997, these single owner sales have provided the buyer with a wonderful opportunity to purchase with the unmatchable provenance conferred by private ownership. More importantly, they bring a unique insight into the changing fashions in wine and the collecting passions of the day. This, the latest in a long and illustrious succession of such sales at Christie's, demonstrates both these points admirably. Firstly, the provenance and storage of the wines here are both of the highest order. Virtually every bottle has been acquired immediately following the vintage from the most respected agents and suppliers or directly from the producer. A high proportion of the wines are still packed in original wooden cases or original cartons and just about all are essentially pristine with the exception of a handful of the older wines. The cellar itself is the epitome of a perfect, modern, domestic facility - clean, accessible, well ordered and temperature-controlled. The content amply illustrates the second point - a mixture of the trusted and traditional, interspersed with a wide selection of the premium and cult producers that occupy such a high profile in modern wine producing in the 21st Century. Truly something for everybody. As is so often the case, Bordeaux occupies pole position. Here we find all the First Growths in both 'drinking' and 'investment' vintages. The bias is firmly towards the many excellent vintages of the 1980's and 1990's but also with particularly wide representation from the district of Pomerol. Perhaps the most noticeable feature however is the wide variety of large formats throughout, from all the regions represented - many have been bottled to special order for the owner and will be virtually unobtainable elsewhere. Burgundy is in shorter supply and from the best producers - DRC, Rousseau, Ponsot and de Vogüé setting the standards for others to emulate. The Rhône is heavily featured, not always the case when Bordeaux occupies the main focus. The products of Chapoutier, Guigal and Pegau feature most prominently - their careful selection a fitting testament to the discerning acumen and palate of the owner. The French district of Languedoc is also particularly close to the heart of this gentleman and represented by the region's standard-bearer, Mas de Daumas Gassac - both red and white and many in large formats. Germany is also well-featured including top quality late harvest Rieslings from half-bottles to large formats with rare large bottles from Robert Weil. To this heady mix, add Port, Spain, Loire and a wide selection from Italy. In conclusion, Christie's Wine Department is justly proud to continue the tradition of marvellous single owner sales with the presentation of this excellent cellar. The owner has retained ample quantities for his future needs and allowed you, the bidder, a unique opportunity to sample the delights and fruits of his labour of love. Perhaps this might be the moment to consider enlarging or indeed starting your own 'Private Cellar'?

1 magnum per lot

Details

A SUPERB SELECTION OF TOP-QUALITY CLARET, VINTAGES 1964 TO 2000

Lots 1 to 592
Château Latour--Vintage 1964
Pauillac, 1er grand cru classé. Château-bottled
Excellent appearance and level
Tasting note: vying with Petrus as the finest '64. If anything goes to show what an immense difference bottle age can make to a top-class claret, the continuing evolution of the '64 Latour is the perfect example. It goes on and on gaining extra dimensions. On the last three occasions a marvellous mouthful, plump, perfectly balanced, rounded and sweet yet still with a tannic finish (Bordeaux Club Dinner 1997). Then a tasting for the Bär Bank in Zurich in 1998, losing its pristine depth of colour. A bouquet of cedar and old oak (the tree not the cask). Fully mature, lovely flavour. Most recently showing well at Paolo Pong's dinner tasting Oct 2000. Five stars. M.B.
1 magnum per lot

Special notice

No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis

More from A MAGNIFICENT CONTINENTAL CELLAR

View All