This remarkable sale spans the world’s most sought-after fine wine regions, from the Old World to the New, in an extraordinary breadth of formats – from bottles and magnums to Salmanazars and Balthazars. Large formats feature prominently throughout the sale. In Bordeaux, the First Growths appear in an array of vintages and formats (10 double magnums, 5 Jeroboams, and 20 Imperials), complemented by rarities such as a Salmanazar of Pichon Longueville, Lalande 2012, and Cos d’Estournel 2014. A Balthazar of Malartic-Lagravière 2012 will undoubtedly adorn a table at any grand celebration. On the Right Bank, a double magnum of Le Pin 2012 leads the pack, joined by multiple double magnums, Jeroboams, and Imperials of Cheval Blanc and Ausone. In Burgundy, highlights include Jeroboams of Clos de Tart from Mommessin, as well as exceptionally rare Jeroboams of Bâtard-Montrachet from Domaine Leflaive, offered across several vintages. In the Rhône, Chapoutier’s celebrated trio – L’Ermite, Le Méal, and Le Pavillon – is presented in Jeroboams and impressive Methuselahs, followed by Paul Jaboulet Aîné’s iconic Hermitage La Chapelle in a range of large formats, including rarely seen Salmanazars and Balthazars. Finally, the sale concludes with a superb collection of Ornellaia and Solaia, spanning many vintages and formats, up to the mighty Imperials.

Double magnums, Imperials, Salmanazars and Balthazars

Monumental Formats

In addition to an impressive selection of large formats, the Bordeaux wines in this sale span a wonderful array of appellations, producers, and vintages. The vast majority remain in pristine, original wooden cases, many still banded. Among the First Growths, highlights include Latour 1996 and 2015, Haut Brion 1995 and 2000, and Mouton Rothschild 1990 and 1996. The consistently overperforming Second Growths are well represented, with standouts such as Pichon Longueville Lalande 2009, Léoville Las Cases 2010, and Cos d'Estournel 2000. On the Right Bank, Petrus 2015 in magnum commands the spotlight, followed by Le Pin 2014, Cheval Blanc 1995 in multiple formats, and Ausone in a range of vintages. Concluding the Bordeaux section of the sale is the crown jewel of Sauternes, Yquem, offered across three different formats.

First Growth classics, Right Bank royalty, and more

Bordeaux Icons

Although more modest in volume than Bordeaux, the Burgundy section in this sale is equally superb. Romanée-Conti 2011 from Domaine de la Romanée-Conti reigns supreme as the undisputed highlight, followed by La Tâche and Richebourg from this legendary producer. Domaine Armand Rousseau follows, represented across several cuvées, including the outstanding Chambertin and Chambertin Clos de Bèze. Domaine Faiveley appears across multiple lots, as does Domaine Comte Georges de Vogüé with its marvelous Musigny, Cuvée Vieilles Vignes. Domaine Georges Roumier’s sought-after Chambolle-Musigny Les Amoureuses is another standout, offered here in the 2004 vintage. In white Burgundy section, Domaine Leflaive is showcased by a variety of appellations, formats and vintages – including Jeroboams of Bâtard Montrachet.

Celebrated Domaines and exceptional cuvées

Grandiose Burgundy

Perhaps the most notable highlight of this collection, alongside the selection of large formats, is the breadth of Rhône wines, spanning both Northern and Southern appellations, a variety of esteemed producers, and multiple vintages. Crowned the pinnacle of rarity and excellence in this French region is Château Rayas, offered here as a magnificent vertical comprising 24 lots of Rouge from 1990 to 2013 and 5 lots of Blanc from 2006 to 2013, followed by Pignan and Fonsalette. Guigal’s famous ‘LaLaLa’ trio sets the tone at the start of the Northern Rhône selection, joined by Chapoutier’s iconic Ermitage cuvées: L’Ermite, Le Méal, and Le Pavillon. Jean-Louis Chave and Paul Jaboulet Aîné follow, represented in many vintages and formats. Other standouts include Domaine du Pégau, Clos St. Jean, and Château de Beaucastel, all offered across multiple lots.

Rayas, Chapoutier, Jaboulet, Guigal and more

Superb Rhône

This tightly curated selection of the world’s finest Champagnes will satisfy even the most discerning connoisseurs. Billecart-Salmon’s highly regarded Cuvée Nicolas François Billecart and Cuvée Elisabeth Salmon are represented in several vintages, as are Bollinger R.D., Dom Pérignon’s iconic P2, and Louis Roederer Cristal. The section concludes with Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs 2004, Salon Le Mesnil Blanc de Blancs 1995, and Taittinger Comtes de Champagne, the last one offered across multiple lots.

Sparkling masterpieces from top producers

Champagne Superstars

The European section of the auction is rounded off by Italy and Spain, with a superb offering of large formats. Double magnums of Sassicaia and Ornellaia are accompanied by Imperials of Solaia and Tenuta di Trinoro, while Spanish gems Pingus and Vega Sicilia 'Unico’ are featured in bottles and magnums. The selection would not be complete without the admired Super Tuscans Sassicaia and Masseto, along with the revered Brunello di Montalcino Riserva ‘Case Basse’ from Soldera.

Sassicaia, Masseto, Soldera, Pingus and more

Treasures from Italy and Spain

The sale concludes with the best of the best from the United States and Australia. Harlan Estate’s legendary Proprietary Red takes centre stage in multiple vintages, including extremely rare 1994 and 1996. Opus One appears in numerous lots and vintages, alongside cult favourite Sine Qua Non and the highly regarded Vérité. The auction closes with two of Australia’s most revered wines: Penfolds Grange and Henschke Hill of Grace.

New World Wonders

Deputy Head of Wine EMEA | Senior Specialist 

Frédéric Guyot du Repaire

Head of Wine Auction Sales UK

Claire Collini

Senior Specialist

Finn Schauer

Senior Specialist | Inspections UK &amp; Europe

James Reed

Specialist, Property

Zofia Dalkowska

Meet our Specialists

For assistance with bidding and registration, please contact: +44 207 293 5000 
 
 <a class="Link" href="mailto:enquiries@sothebys.com">enquiries@sothebys.com</a>

Stay informed with Sotheby’s top stories, videos, events &amp; news.

Sotheby’s Wine is honoured to present the first auction of the autumn season in London, the anticipated A Connoisseur’s Collection: Wines from a Distinguished European Cellar. The sale will open for bidding on 8 September and close online-only on 22 September from 10:00 BST.