The world of wine is, above all, a story of encounters and friendship. I have known this collector—a great lover of fine wines and a discerning enthusiast—for over twenty years. When I told him about our 10th-anniversary sale on the 10th of May, his reaction was immediate: “What if I were to add a few bottles from my collection?”

Thus was born the idea of an additional sale, organised that very morning, as a “prelude” to the “Heartbeat” charity auction in the afternoon, dedicated to wines sourced directly from the domaine.

We were faced with the difficult task of making choices from a cellar boasting impeccable storage conditions, selecting only those wines that every collector dreams of one day having in their own cellar: legendary vintages—1811, 1838, 1857, 1858—right up to very recent years such as 2022, and in formats ranging from the standard bottle to the most spectacular large formats: 12 litres, 15 litres, and even 18 litres. A true connoisseur’s dream.

The first section will showcase an estate I am particularly fond of: Domaine Raveneau, with 60 lots spanning 15 vintages. When one considers the ageing potential of these wines, our taste buds are already rejoicing.

We will then move on to the quintessential Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, which will be represented by 17 selections spanning the vintages from 2006 to 2022. This selection includes 21 bottles of Romanée-Conti, over 100 bottles of La Tâche, as well as an extremely rare 6-litre bottle of 1979 Richebourg.

The section dedicated to the great Bordeaux wines is equally dreamlike: featuring the greatest châteaux, including a jeroboam of 1996 Lafite Rothschild, a double-magnum and an imperial of 1995 Mouton Rothschild, a spectacular 18-litre bottle of 2005 Cheval Blanc, magnums of 2019 Le Pin, not to mention a case of 1997 Petrus and a magnum of 2021.

To round off the selection of still wines, the mighty Yquem will take centre stage with an impressive vertical tasting ranging from 2008 all the way back to… 1857. Those who have already had the chance to taste aged Yquem know of its unique ability to blossom with time. And the palette of colours, perfectly typical of these wines, is in itself a feast for the eyes.

And because a grand tasting always deserves a touch of celebration, some magnificent bubbles will awaken the palate with a Cristal. Finally, we will finish with two very rare Malagas from 1811 & 1838, as well as a Fine Champagne cognac from the Emperor’s 1811 vintage.

So… are you ready for an unforgettable tasting?

Good luck with your bids! 

The question may seem trivial, but we seek to understand: what is the secret ingredient that transforms a meal into an unforgettable moment?

Many would say it requires great wines and exceptional dishes. Then, upon reflection, one would add: “Yes, but you must be well surrounded.” True enough. The setting, the ambiance, and the state of mind matter almost as much as what is on the plate. So, in the end, isn’t it above all a matter of the company? For, as the saying goes, “one missing person, and everything feels empty.” A single presence — or absence — can sometimes undo all efforts made to create a moment suspended in time.

What defines a legendary wine? It is a perfect combination of an exceptional vintage and remarkable aging potential sourced from a prestigious Domaine or Château. Such a bottle transcends time, reputation and rarity to become an icon in the realm of fine wine. 

Indeed, legendary wines do exist, but they require impeccable provenance: a bottle that has been meticulously stored in the same location for decades in an ideal cellar. While improperly stored wines or those that have traveled excessively may deteriorate, those well-preserved can maintain their vibrancy for over a century.

Our “Kipling” #10 auction exemplifies this, as it is a single-owner cellar housing a remarkable selection of legendary wines with outstanding provenance and maintained with professional care. Only a visionary man could have amassed such a rare and expansive collection, commencing with the great vintage of 1865, kept for decades in a parisian cellar — these wines are undeniably extraordinary.

Enjoying a stunning 100-year-old wine is a rare, historical, and profound experience. I have been fortunate to feel this joy several times, most recently just days ago. You don’t need to be an expert or a connoisseur to appreciate such a moment; the wine itself will elevate your senses to new heights of enjoyment…

Visit our website to behold the vibrant colors of these wines, and you will already sense the emotion. As a wine lover, opportunities to acquire such rare, lively bottles ready for sharing are few and far between.