Château Latour--Vintage 1916

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FINEST AND RAREST WINES FROM THE CELLAR OF THE LATE ALAN CLARK M.P. Recently removed from the Undercroft wine cellars at Saltwood Castle and now lying at EHD, Twickenham. Alan Clark was a passionate man. In his family life; throughout a 27 year political career; as a diarist of particular note and in his wide-ranging fields of expertise and endeavour, all cut tragically short in 1999 by his untimely death, he demonstrated the application and attention that marked him out as an exceptional person. A one-off. Prior to that well-publicised career in politics and following his qualification as a barrister after reading Modern History at Christ Church, Oxford, he wrote a series of scholarly works on military campaigns. He also nurtured the family interest in fine art. Most notably, he had a fanatical and truly deep understanding of classic automobiles developed over a lifetime of collecting and more importantly, driving and in this guise, built a formidable reputation as a columnist and author on the subject. Not surprisingly some might say, his passion also extended to the world of fine wines. Numerous references to wine and to the consumption thereof are to be found in his acclaimed series of published diaries covering the period from 1972-1999 with many vinous references punctuating the acerbic, political commentary (see d'Yquem '67) It is irrelevant, possibly even irreverent, to try and summarize further here the career and achievements of Alan Clark. Suffice to say that here was a man adored by his family, revered by his contemporaries and respected by his friends. These bottles form part of the well-chosen selection he had amassed at his beloved family home, Saltwood Castle, near Hythe in Kent. Wines were selected for long-term storage in the optimum, cool (if slightly damp) conditions of the Undercroft, at the heart of the Castle buildings. As a result some of the original wooden cases stored there for over 30 years have suffered, but the majority of the bottles are very well-preserved. Christie's are proud to offer these lots, close to the 6th anniversary of Alan Clark's passing, to give bidders the opportunity to acquire wines from the cellar of a truly unique collector. David Elswood International Head of Wine Sales August, 2005.

1 bottle per lot

Details

Lots 462 to 500
Château Latour--Vintage 1916
Pauillac, 1er cru classé
Corroded capsule. Very dirty and bin-soiled bottle and label, slightly torn. Level top-shoulder
1 bottle 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.

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