Burgundy collections hit the sales scene

Two sales over the next few weeks are set to put Burgundy at centre stage, at a time when the region has been attracting a great deal of attention among buyers.

Burgundy will be at the heart of the Bonhams auction on 21 October with an additional 76 lots coming from a private cellar. Goedhuis & Co is selling 190 cases valued at £500,000 from Monday 25 October.

The private lot at the Bonhams auction includes some of Burgundy’s top properties, alongside a strong line-up of Ports, clarets, Sauternes and rare Champagne vintages.

Particular highlights are six bottles of 1959 DRC Grands Echézeaux – valued at £2,400 to £3,000, 1978 Chambertin Clos de Bèze from Armand Rousseau (£600-£700 a bottle), George Roumier’s 1982 Bonnes-Mares (£1,500-£1,800 for three) and 1999 Richebourg from Anne Gros (£900-£1,000 for six).

Meanwhile, fine wine merchant Goedhuis’ sale is billed as a “Who’s Who of Burgundy”. It features younger vintages from 1990 to 2008 but as Mark Robertson, head of broking, commented: “This is undoubtedly the greatest Burgundy collection I have seen in several years”.

The key to the selection is that this is a Grand Cru and 1er Cru orientated cellar including only the very finest vineyards from the greatest of growers.

“Some of the red vintages will provide stunning drinking today such as the lovely 1993s, 2000s and certain 1999s and 2001s," added Robertson. "Others such as the 2002s, 2005s and 2006s will reward further patience.”

Key lots on offer include cases of 1990 DRC Romanée St Vivant 2004 and 2005, Comte Georges de Vogüe Musigny Vieilles Vignes 2002 and 2005, Jean-François Coche-Dury Corton Charlemagne 1996 and 2001 and Armand Rousseau Chambertin Clos de Bèze 2002 and Chambertin 2005.

Sales of top Burgundy have soared at recent sales, especially among Asian clients . In the 15 years it took to build the collection it has already seen its value increase by 75%.

Rupert Millar, 14.10.2010