Tomorrow, May 25, sees Sotheby's presenting their Finest and Rarest Wines Featuring the Bordeaux Winebank Collection Part III auction in London.
Unusually, the expected top lots are two sets of three double-magnums. Both Chateau Petrus, they are from greatly coveted consecutive years, as Sotheby's World Head of Wine Serena Sutcliffe explains, starting with the later wine:
"There is a deeper colour on the 1990 than on the 1989 - denser. Incredibly opulent, plummy Petrus. Very voluptuous. Wonderful dried fruit flavours - almost Napa-like. Mocha and mint notes. Extraordinary, ultra-ripe plums and prunes taste. Atypical. Sweet aniseed finish. The great comparison is between this and the 1989.
"The heat came earlier in 1989 than in 1990, which gives that exotic scent which is inimitable Petrus. Glorious leather and liquorice taste. Just so 'oriental'. Landmark Petrus. Limitless dimension. A real chocolate flavour to it.
"This has all the mystery of Petrus forged in exceptional climatic conditions. Profound. At 20 years old, this was just so minerally and so irony, amplifying all the time in the glass to flavours of venison and violets. And in 2011 (lucky me), that marvellous roasted raisins and liquorice nose that draws you in and seduces you. So utterly sweet, luscious and embracing."
The lots are listed at £26,000-34,000 (up to $55,000) and £22,000-30,000 ($48,500) respectively. Needless to say, either would make an excellent investment.
For those less enamoured of Petrus (whoever you are) there is also a 12 bottle lot of Chateau Lafite 2000, whilst Burgundy fans will after a six bottle lot of DRC La Tache 2005.
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