This auction dives into the history of the Médoc, especially with the beautiful lots ranging from 1928 to 1993from Léoville Las Cases, one of the oldest domains in the region. The special catalogue as well as the rest of the auction contains some surprises.
Five Léoville Las Cases that depict the history of Médoc:
- 1928: This Léoville Las Cases shines throughout Bordeaux. It’s both elegant and rich despite being from an extremely hot and sunny vintage.
- 1945: A legendary vintage that was made in small quantities due to a catastrophic spring frost. This incredibly rich wine has lasted much longer than usual.
- 1982: Of exceptional quality, this vintage is made from raisons that possessed an extraordinary ripeness. With notes of red fruits, leather, cedar, mint and spices, this purple-hued wine was rated 18/20 by Jancis Robinson.
- 1986: In 1986, the Cabernets Sauvignons (which makes up 66% of the blend) reached exceptional ripeness. This is what Robert Parker from Wine Advocate had to say about giving the wine 100/100: The late Michel Delon always thought that this was the greatest vintage he had produced. We often tasted it side by side with the 1982, because I always preferred the latter vintage. Of course, the two vintages are quite different in style, with the 1986 a monument to classicism, with great tannin, extraordinary delineation, and a huge, full-bodied nose of sweet, ripe cassis fruit intermixed with vanilla, melon, fruitcake, and a multitude of spices. The wine has always been phenomenally concentrated, yet wonderfully fresh and vigorous.
- 1990: Jancis Robinson awarded this wine 19/20 and called it “monumental” and La Revue du vin de France which also gave it 19/20 described it as “legendary”. This deep, intense wine with its lovely long finish comes from the hottest year of the century after 1947 and the sunniest one since 1949.
Five icons not to miss:
- Romanée-Conti 2002 from Domaine de la Romanée-Conti: It’s the most legendary wine in the entire world, without a doubt.
- Musigny 2005 by Domaine Georges Roumier: A rare wine with an exceptional array of aromas.
- Petrus 1999, sold in a lot of six bottles: A legend of Bordeaux, it’s a majestic, fascinating wine that’s difficult to find…and describe!
- Rayas 2011, sold in a lot of six bottles: Château Rayas creates wine that differs from its neighbours. Its fine and delicate wines are a true Rhône myth.
- Hermitage 1991 from Jean-Louis Chave: An extraordinary wine for ageing, it’s often closed off in its youth, but its aromas come alive with age.
Five natural wines to discover:
- Hautes-Côtes de Nuits 2011 Blanc de Bizot: An exceptional white wine made using organic and natural methods with grapes grown on a forgotten but brilliant terroir.
- Vin de France Trousseau L’Ephémère 2017 from Domaine des Murmures: A superb Trousseau to be aged once it’s bought. It comes from a Jura domain that is at the top of its game.
- Saint-Julien by Domaine du Jaugaret: Discover a Saint-Julien like you never have before – as a natural wine.
- Arbois-Pupillin Ploussard En Aspis 2018 from Adeline Houillon & Renaud Bruyère: a single varietal Ploussard natural wine by two of Jura’s stars.
- Vin-de-France 2014 from Hirotake Ooka at Domaine La Grande Colline: This is a surprising natural wine, fresh, taut and with a great purity. Hirotake Ooka produces wines where the flavours and delicateness are perfectly balanced.
