LONDON.- A stunning selection of Imperials will spearhead Sotheby’s London sale of A Classic Bordeaux Collection, Featuring Three Glorious Decades on Wednesday, 6 July, 2011. This exceptional offering of top Bordeaux from a Continental cellar features a treasure trove of all the First Growths, plus Château Cheval Blanc and Château Pétrus, in a wide range of formats, bought en primeur. These predominantly young vintages can be purchased for drinking now or storing for the future, with the large bottle format providing a slower maturation process. The Imperial size is equivalent to eight bottles, ideal for dinner parties of 15 to 20 people. They also make glorious gifts for children, to be laid down until 18th or 21st birthday celebrations. The collection comprises 441 lots and is estimated to realise in excess of £1 million*.

Serena Sutcliffe MW, Worldwide Head of Wine at Sothebyʹs, said: “We are delighted to be able to offer this magnificent, pristine collection of Bordeaux, the property of a knowledgeable continental wine lover and part of an important cellar which benefits from perfect conditions. The stars from both the Right and Left Banks are all present. The wines were acquired when first offered and are thus drinking in superb fashion. Vintages span all the great years between 1986 and 2007, with all the stops along the way. And the wide range of formats is very exciting, providing bottle sizes for every occasion and special event. It is also fascinating to make comparisons of the same wine in different formats – sometimes one can see especially vibrant, youthful characteristics in a very large bottle, while there are other moments where the nuances are barely perceptible. Have a great dinner party for wine‐loving friends and try it out for yourselves!”

AUCTION HIGHLIGHTS IN THE MAGUM, DOUBLE‐MAGNUM AND IMPERIAL FORMATS
Red Bordeaux

• 1 Imperial of Château Pétrus 2000, estimate £20,000‐26,000 (lot 375) – “In 2011, an incredible ‘Christmas pudding’ bouquet of great richness and density. An absolute, outright star and a rarity in every way.” (SS)

• 1 Imperial of Château Lafite 2000, estimate £12,000‐16,000 (lot 18) – “In 2011… one now senses the opulence of this wine, with all its layers.” (SS)

• 2 Imperials of Château Latour 2000, estimate £6,200‐7,200 per lot (lots 32 and 33) – “In 2011, an absolutely classic Pauillac nose, stupendous. Archetypal Latour that hits the spot.” (SS)

• 2 Imperials of Château Haut Brion 2000, estimate £4,000‐5,000 per lot (lots 76 and 77) – “Phenomenal richness… Showy and flag‐waving.” (SS)

• 1 Imperial of Château Mouton Rothschild 2000, estimate £5,500‐6,500 (lot 104) – “In 2011, a luscious, opulent, blackcurrant bouquet… with a great Mouton terroir sign‐off.” (SS)

• 1 double magnum of Château Mouton Rothschild 2000, estimate £2,800‐3,600 (lot 103)

• 3 magnums of Château Mouton Rothschild 1996, estimate £980‐1,300 (lot 90) – “Huge wine that will last for ever. Power, depth and richness.” (SS)

• 3 Imperials of Château Mouton Rothschild 2001, estimate £1,700‐2,200 per lot (lots 118‐120) – “Immensely impressive and lingering. Has a great life in front of it.” (SS)

• 4 Imperials of Château Cheval Blanc 2000, estimate £4,600‐5,500 per lot (lots 249-252) – “Glorious health and exuberance that is copybook 2000.” (SS)

• 3 double magnums of Château Cheval Blanc 2000, estimate £7,000‐8,000 per lot (lots 246‐248)

Throughout the sale, there is a delicious selection in standard bottle format too, including 12 bottles of Château Cheval Blanc 2000, estimate £7,000‐8,000 per lot (lots 241‐245) and 12 bottles of Château Mouton Rothschild 1986, estimate £6,000‐7,000 per lot (lot 83).

Other highlights
To complete this special Single Owner collection, there is rare, dry white Bordeaux, and top Sauternes and highly coveted vintage Champagne:

• 6 bottles of Château Haut Brion Blanc 2002, estimate £1,100‐1,400 per lot (lots 398‐399)

• 12 bottles of Château d’Yquem 2005, estimate £2,400‐3,200 (lot 408)

• 6 bottles of Dom Pérignon Rosé 1996, estimate £900‐1,100 (lot 420)

• 6 bottles of Louis Roederer Cristal Brut 2002, estimate £460‐550 (lots 422‐424)

* Pre‐sale estimates do not include buyer’s premium