Nine bottles of the sought-after 1988 La Tache DRC will provide the highlight of Sworders' largest ever sale of fine wine and port on July 23.
 La Tache 1988 was given a score of 88 in Robert Parker's Wine Advocate |
The sale will total almost 500 lots, with the 1988 La Tache holding the highest estimate at £8,000-10,500 ($12,160-15,960).
La Tache belongs to the Domaine de la Romanee-Conti (DRC) estate in Burgundy, which is widely considered one of the greatest wine producers in the world. Small production rates and high quality ensure strong results at auction.
"The Burgundy region of France is known for smaller, less commercial vineyards with a more erratic climate, which produce wines with an old world charm. When the weather conditions allow, some years produce exceptional vintages and are more in demand than the top Bordeaux," Sworders' George Schooling commented.
 Asian buyers are attracted to Penfolds due to its sweet taste, in contrast to the strong, tannic flavour of Bordeaux and Burgundy |
Away from the Burgundy, 10 bottles of the 1986 Penfolds Grange Bin 95 are expected to see the second highest bids of the auction.
"Penfolds was the first Australian winery to produce recognised fine wine and its appeal spans from Europe to China. It is this prestige, as well as the quality of the wine, which pushes the estimate for this lot up to £2,500-£3,500," says Schooling.
Penfolds topped the list of the top 25 Australian wines traded at auction in 2012, and values for the 1998 Penfolds Grange rose by 30% between 2010 and 2012. This is largely attributed to success in China, as wealthy investors look towards wines outside of France's well-known regions.
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