BBR auctions ‘treasure trove’ from the cellars of the Berry and Rudd families
The UK’s oldest fine wine and spirits merchant, Berry Bros. & Rudd, is auctioning wine direct from the cellars of the Berry & Rudd families, which it described as “a treasure trove of the most exciting wines of the past two centuries”.
The retailer is offering wine from the estates of the late Christopher Berry Green and John Rudd, the cellar of Simon Berry and the Berry Bros. & Rudd Family Reserve in its latest online auction, which will close for bidding on 3 February.
Jamie Ritchie, managing director of international & auctions at Berry Bros. & Rudd (BBR) called it “an exceptional insight into the depth and history of fine wine at Berry Bros. & Rudd”, noting that “our experts devote years to monitoring the Family Reserve, releasing only the most remarkable bottles”.
Proceeds from the sale of the family reserve will be reinvested into the collection, the company said.
The sale includes some exceptional bottles, including; a 1966 Château Cheval Blanc; 1979 Le Pin magnum; 1975 Château Lafite Rothschild magnum; 1972 Tokaji 6 Puttonyos, Oremus; 2008 Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello methuselah and a very rare Macallan, 10-Year-Old that was bottled more than half a century ago.
“This auction presents a rare and exciting opportunity for collectors to acquire wines that represent some of the finest examples in our care,” Ritchie said.
Another highlight of the sale includes a unique and historical artefact comprising three miniature bottles of Champagne that were made for Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House in 1924 and which have never been offered for sale before.
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The wine merchant, who supplied wines and spirits to King George V, was asked to provide the contents for the Lutyens-designed dolls’ house wine cellar, supplying 1,200 tiny bottles filled with authentic liquid and featuring the exact labels of each wine in miniature. The three tiny bottles of 1911 Cordon Rouge from Champagne G.H. Mumm (which contain the original liquid) are presented in their original wooden case, still wrapped in raffia, with an estimate of £2,000 – £3,000.
Lizzy Rudd, chair of Berry Bros. & Rudd said the “extraordinary lots” not only showcased the merchant’s passion for collecting “that has inspired our business for generations, but also the family members who have lovingly built and nurtured these cellars.”
“It is a privilege to now share these historic bottles with our customers,” she said.
Bidding has already opened on the lots, and will continue until 3 February.
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