8 bottles per lot
Details
THE ESTATE OF MELVILLE WEIR
A MAGNIFICENT AND RARE COLLECTION OF THE WORLD'S FINEST WINES
It is hard to know where to begin with such a superb collection of wines, and from the cellar of a truly remarkable man.
Let us first start with this fabulous collection's creator, Melville Weir. A self made man, he began his career in the Army. Rising through the ranks of Officer-ship, he eventually retired from the Defense Forces in his forties and became a successful entrepreneur. It was at around this time that he became interested in wine.
Clearly a gentleman of great taste, the collection represents only the finest of wines from the greatest of vintages. In my seven years with Christie's Wine Department, I can remember only a few cellars of equal size that have been as good in quality. A classic cellar, it is somewhat in the British tradition, ie. a good supply of mature Champagne, lots of fine claret and a smattering of top Burgundy.
Of all the great wines in this cellar, it is the rare selection of mature vintage Champagne that puts the icing on the cake. Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque 1979, Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs 1979, Veuve-Clicquot La Grande Dame 1979, Salon 1982, Dom Pérignon 1982, Cristal 1982 and the list goes on. Mouthwatering to say the least.
Not to be outdone, there is a superb array of really outstanding Bordeaux from all the great vintages, ranging from 1928 Cheval Blanc 1990 Latour. Burgundy highlights include 18 bottles each of both 1985 La Tâche and Richebourg from DRC.
The vast majority of these wines were purchased upon release, certainly everything from 1978 onwards, with older vintages being sourced from many of America's finest wine shops.
Cellar conditions are as one would expect: 100 perfect. The entrance, just off the dining room, is its first great attribute, only to be outdone by thick walls, a flight of stairs downward and a temperature and humidity control center. After inspecting case after case, it was clear that these wines were almost all simply pristine.
Today Melville Weir is survived by a warm and wonderful family, who hope that, as they did, the wines will be cared for and enjoyed.
David Wainwright
MATURE VINTAGE CHAMPAGNE
Like fine Bordeaux or Burgundy, vintage Champagne and especially the Grand Marques age superbly in the cellar. Gaining extra nuttiness and refinement, the fabulous levels of acidity that the cool climate gives the Champagne's allows them to hold on much longer than most still wines. Sadly most Champagne is consumed almost immediately, regardless of quality level (which I can understand because it is hard to resist) however this has resulted in relatively few bottles of fine mature vintage Champagne in cellars of the wine loving community, which is what makes the mouth-watering selection on offer here so special. Not only that but featured heavily are two of the very best vintages now at the peak of their drinking pleasure, 1979 and 1982.
Bollinger Brut, R.D.--Vintage 1973
Aÿ
Disgorged 18 January 1984. Outsanding color and appearance.
Disgorged two months before the tasting: a lovely yellow gold with lively froth which simmered down to a gentle spray of fine bubbles; very fragrant nose, walnuts and white truffles cent and taste. Quite powerful. MB, Vintage Wine
8 bottles per lot
A MAGNIFICENT AND RARE COLLECTION OF THE WORLD'S FINEST WINES
It is hard to know where to begin with such a superb collection of wines, and from the cellar of a truly remarkable man.
Let us first start with this fabulous collection's creator, Melville Weir. A self made man, he began his career in the Army. Rising through the ranks of Officer-ship, he eventually retired from the Defense Forces in his forties and became a successful entrepreneur. It was at around this time that he became interested in wine.
Clearly a gentleman of great taste, the collection represents only the finest of wines from the greatest of vintages. In my seven years with Christie's Wine Department, I can remember only a few cellars of equal size that have been as good in quality. A classic cellar, it is somewhat in the British tradition, ie. a good supply of mature Champagne, lots of fine claret and a smattering of top Burgundy.
Of all the great wines in this cellar, it is the rare selection of mature vintage Champagne that puts the icing on the cake. Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque 1979, Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs 1979, Veuve-Clicquot La Grande Dame 1979, Salon 1982, Dom Pérignon 1982, Cristal 1982 and the list goes on. Mouthwatering to say the least.
Not to be outdone, there is a superb array of really outstanding Bordeaux from all the great vintages, ranging from 1928 Cheval Blanc 1990 Latour. Burgundy highlights include 18 bottles each of both 1985 La Tâche and Richebourg from DRC.
The vast majority of these wines were purchased upon release, certainly everything from 1978 onwards, with older vintages being sourced from many of America's finest wine shops.
Cellar conditions are as one would expect: 100 perfect. The entrance, just off the dining room, is its first great attribute, only to be outdone by thick walls, a flight of stairs downward and a temperature and humidity control center. After inspecting case after case, it was clear that these wines were almost all simply pristine.
Today Melville Weir is survived by a warm and wonderful family, who hope that, as they did, the wines will be cared for and enjoyed.
David Wainwright
MATURE VINTAGE CHAMPAGNE
Like fine Bordeaux or Burgundy, vintage Champagne and especially the Grand Marques age superbly in the cellar. Gaining extra nuttiness and refinement, the fabulous levels of acidity that the cool climate gives the Champagne's allows them to hold on much longer than most still wines. Sadly most Champagne is consumed almost immediately, regardless of quality level (which I can understand because it is hard to resist) however this has resulted in relatively few bottles of fine mature vintage Champagne in cellars of the wine loving community, which is what makes the mouth-watering selection on offer here so special. Not only that but featured heavily are two of the very best vintages now at the peak of their drinking pleasure, 1979 and 1982.
Bollinger Brut, R.D.--Vintage 1973
Aÿ
Disgorged 18 January 1984. Outsanding color and appearance.
Disgorged two months before the tasting: a lovely yellow gold with lively froth which simmered down to a gentle spray of fine bubbles; very fragrant nose, walnuts and white truffles cent and taste. Quite powerful. MB, Vintage Wine
8 bottles per lot