Sotheby's London auctioned a number of collectible wines live and online, yesterday (April 21), based around the private collections of Vega Sicilia and Château Léoville Lascases.
The sale's highlight, as predicted, was the rare and complete case of 12 bottles of Romanée Conti 1988.
Straw wrapped and billed as being in "pristine appearance", the case surpassed its £35,000-50,000 to bring a final price of £52,900, including buyer's premium.
Elsewhere in the sale, the Chateau Lafite 2000 also drew enthusiastic bids.
Two lots, each comprising 12 bottles of the 2000, auctioned for £16,100 atop a pre-sale estimate of £12,000-16,000.
Described in the tasting notes as having a "great scent, dominated by loganberries when it was young. Superb, juicy black fruit on the palate."
"Such a ripe finish, mouth-watering all the way through. In 2009, that real, total super-healthy 2000 nose to it.
"One now senses the opulence of this wine, with all its layers. Such a vivid taste of plums. Such fresh acidity - still a baby," state the Sotheby's description.
According to Sotheby's, the 2000 is likely to last a century for its lucky buyer... and possibly their grandchildren: "so think two generations on."
Sotheby's sale in London made a total of £813,326, split across two bidding sessions.
- More news on Wine, Whisky and Cigars
- Enjoy the read? Don't forget to sign up for your free newsletter with exclusive content
