The Clifford Harris Collection | A Pioneering British Cellar | Finest & Rarest Wines

The Clifford Harris Collection | A Pioneering British Cellar | Finest & Rarest Wines

View full screen - View 1 of Lot 1.  Château Lafite 1959 (9 BT).

NEW COLLECTION | Lots 1-413: A wonderful collection of the wine world’s most classic names, assembled by a dedicated and passionate collector over more than 6 decades, and stored in a single purpose-built, state of the art climate-controlled private cellar in their London home.

Château Lafite 1959 (9 BT)

Auction Closed

July 22, 03:17 PM GMT

Estimate

18,000 - 24,000 GBP

Lot Details

Description

Château Lafite 1959

Pauillac, 1er Cru Classé

u. 1vts, 5ts, 1t/hs, 1hs, 1ms, 6 labels detached and badly damaged, 1 badly damaged label still attached, capsules showing signs of erosion

This has always been, and remains, one of my favourite Clarets ever. In 2016, I was lucky enough to 'see' it again (i.e. to drink copiously) from a double magnum and it was knock-out gorgeous. Nobility, richness, velvety complexity - it has it all. Beauteous and mouth-coating, it has the aura of eternal life, helped by the large format which infinitely suits a wine of such immense body and opulence. The scent permeates the taste and, I realise, vice versa. Lafite nailed this vintage to a glorious level and experiencing it marks one for life. Serena Sutcliffe, MW

WA 99


9 bts (owc)


Images shown are for reference only. Actual item may differ.


Provenance:


This beautiful cellar was assembled throughout more than 6 decades by the late Clifford Harris, an esteemed collector and leading light of London’s wine scene for many years. The wines offered here were purchased from a select range of highly reputable merchants and direct agents, and subsequently stored (many with original paperwork) in a state of the art, climate controlled private cellar in regent’s park, before collection and inspection by Sotheby’s expert team. The classic tastes of this passionate collector are well-evidenced here, particularly across the impressive depth of cru classé Bordeaux on offer from the 1940s to 1990s, with extensive representation across first growths to fifth growths in all the historic vintages, and an amazing selection of mature burgundy, both white and red, from the region’s leading addresses. Beyond France, we glimpse more of Clifford’s visionary tastes, with an amazing, very rare selection of original Californian legends back to the 1970s, alongside further new world gems and European icons.


LYING IN GREENFORD PARK available Duty Paid


Please note the purchase price does not include applicable shipping, taxes or import charges which may be charged in addition to the purchase price.


Standard price shipping is available for deliveries to mainland England. Deliveries will be charged at £11.50 + VAT per case, subject to a minimum delivery charge of £34.50 + VAT. Price on application quotes are available for all other UK addresses. Pricing for international shipping available from Sotheby's Wine and Spirits Department on request, please contact: Maxime.Thieffry@sothebys.com.


Sotheby’s cannot arrange or take responsibility for shipments to non-UK buyers, but will be pleased to introduce them to a forwarding agent. Where it is necessary to have a licence to import wines or spirits, procural of the licence shall be the sole responsibility of the buyer. Buyers from outside the UK should note that local sales taxes or use tax may become payable upon import of items following purchase. Buyers should obtain their own advice in this regards. Any duties and taxes payable on import to the country of destination are not included. The cost of any such permit or license required for export or import of the purchased lot is not included. UK purchasers wishing to export directly out of the UK will have to pay VAT on the Buyer’s Premium irrespective of the destination. If you are shipping to another EU member state, 20% VAT has been added to the Buyer’s Premium. Those amounts of VAT may be refunded provided Sotheby’s receive the appropriate export documents within 3 months of the sale.