As always, we’ll start with the auction highlights, but that’s where the similarities stop with this sale! In the spotlight, you might expect a Burgundy or a Bordeaux to be the first to go under the hammer – but this time it’s not even wine in the spotlight. It’s time for our collection of spirits to shine, growing in quantity as well as quality. For history (and Cognac) lovers, bid on the regal Roi Louis XIII from Rémy Martin Rare Cask, or for a magnum of 1898 Bisquit Dubouché Cognac for a trip down memory lane – 1898 was the year British Prime Minister W.E. Gladstone died; Emile Zola wrote his infamous “J’accuse” letter condemning the French government of anti-Semitism and wrongful imprisonment of Alfred Dreyfus; and Brooklyn merged with the other New York boroughs to form the present-day Big Apple.
We also have superb rum from French Guiana and Guadeloupe, as well as a collection of outstanding bourbons. For those green (and golden) with envy, we have peaked in the French alps with a excellent Chartreuse, one of the few liqueurs (often referred to as Schnapps in North America) to age well.
Marking a return to the classics, we can count on wines from Burgundy to make a majestic entrance! Even untrained eyes are sure to have noticed an extraordinary assortment of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, in the 2014 vintage. Containing thirteen bottles, the holy grail of Burgundy will go under the hammer as one lot. What a start to the season! To further ease yourself into the chillier months, why not take a look at Domaines Leroy and Auvenay: there is Richebourg, Criots-Bâtards-Montrachet, Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet, Auxey-Duresses, and Aligotés… the options are endless. Next to be snapped up will be the Romanée from Liger-Belair, Georges Roumier’s Les Amoureuses, the Chambertins from Armand Rousseau, of course Domaine Coche-Dury, not to mention Raveneau’s Chablis. Lastly, it’s important to note the trend that’s emerging in regard to the number of wines available from Domaine Prieuré Roch and Domaine d’Arnaud Ente – both highly sought after by wine lovers today. You’ve got the idea – we not only have all the big names going under the hammer in this auction, but we also have a large variety of vintages to offer. We would be here all day to do these wines justice!
Despite second position in this article, Bordeaux’s offering is no less impressive, than its Burgundian rival (we alternate to keep the peace!). First up is a lot from the renowned Caisse Duclot, containing the exceptional 2005 vintage from Haut-Brion, Latour, Margaux, Mouton-Rothschild, Mission Haut-Brion, Yquem, Petrus, Cheval Blanc, and Lafite. These Châteaux are also available separately, of course. For example, we have the following vintages in Petrus: 1989 (!), 2000, 1960, 2003, 2002, 2006, 2013. In Lafite, we also have in 1989, 1995, 2000, 2002, 2004 (in double magnum!) and 2006, to name but a few. There is also superb sets of 12 bottles in Château L’Angélus, in 2010, 2011 and 2012 vintages and just about all are Premier Grands Crus.
Did you spot the 2002 Salmanazar from Château Le Puy? With its biodynamic label, this domain currently does very well at auction. With no added sulphur, no fining or filtering, this estate epitomises the “New Wave” of natural wine in France. Also ready to go under the hammer in the organic and natural wine category are excellent wines from Anglore, Ganevat, Domaine des Miroirs, Yvon Metras, Richard Leroy, Bernaudeau (this author’s “best ever” white), Aurélien Lefort, Thierry Allemand, Jardins Esmeraldins and many more.
Moving from Bordeaux to the Rhône Valley, we have a wine that is the stuff legends are made of – a 1978 La Mouline from Guigal. An iconic year for this Cuvée! Rest assured, there is the usual quota of Rayas, Jean-Louis Chave, Jamet, Gonon, Beaucastel and La Janasse, something for every Rhone lover.
In Champagne, the Grandes Maisons that are Dom Pérignon (1990!), Ruinart, Veuve Clicquot, Roederer, Bollinger, Taittinger, or Nicolas Feuillate, will go head to head with the more “Art House” Champagnes of Jacques Selosse and Pierre Péters (the New Wave is heading north!).
In the Loire Valley, in addition to the previously mentioned Jardins Esmeraldins (smashing all the records in its category) is Clos Naudin’s famous Goutte d’Or or a drop of gold. It certainly is like the Gold Rush for this honey-hued wine, in the 1990 vintage. The eternal stars of Clos Rougeard and Dagueneau, are also present in a number of various successful vintages.
Between Alsace (Weinbach, for example), Savoie (Belluard) and the Jura, as well as with the natural wines mentioned above, you are sure to find your iDealwine. Whether it simply piques your interest, tickles your fancy, or makes your wildest dreams come true is up to you!
Paris-based, we hope you can forgive the team at iDealwine for being ultra-Francophile! We are known for our French excellence (and modesty) after all. Every now and again however, we like to stretch our wings beyond French borders and put the spotlight on non-French wines. First up we have the towering 2007 Screaming Eagle, a long way from its native Napa Valley. We have the beautiful Vega Sicilia and Pingus representing Spain. From Dolce Italia, we have excellent wines from Angelo Gaja and Sassicaia. Lastly, for those with a sweet tooth and a curious nose we have some great Canadian icewines going under the hammer!
Many more wonders await you in the auction catalogue, don’t miss out! Wishing you a successful auction from all the team at iDealwine.
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