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A
Look At The Most Extraordinary Vintages
Any
wine collector working to create the ultimate collection of outstanding
wines, knows what its like to gain possession of a rare wine.
For most of us, the wines are intended for personal consumption.
We hoard our favorites for some future event, or to give as a
special gift. Some collect for financial gain; however, there
is a large segment of our hobby that specializes in the sale of
extremely valuable hard to find wines.
The
rarest wines are sold at vintage wine bars, or through private
cash sales. Often, they are sold at auction. In 1985, Christie’s
sold a bottle of 1787 Chateau Lafitte, believed to be one of Thomas
Jefferson’s, for $157,000. A stash of between 12-30 bottles
had been discovered in a building in
Paris. The other bottles were sold at unheard of prices, as well,
including a bottle of 1787 Chateau d’Yquem for $56,588. This
was the most expensive bottle of white wine ever sold. Unfortunately,
with carbon dating and expert analysis, they have all been recently
proven to be fakes.
Fraud
has been a growing problem in the wine world. It’s not hard
to fill a genuine bottle that’s been emptied with an inferior
product, and sell it as the real thing. The collector usually
doesn’t realize it right away, and even worse, may never
know if he never drinks it! Con artists can make it impossible
to realize a fake without opening the bottle. It’s been said
that more 1945 Chateau Mouton was consumed on the bottles’
50th anniversary than were produced in 1945! That doesn’t
mean all hard to find wines are fraudulent, however.
The
most popular rare wines, and most expensive, include Chateau Mouton
Rothschild, Chateau Petrus, and sassicaia, a much desired Italian
‘Super Tuscan’. The most desired vintages bring unbelievable
prices. Recently, a case of 2000 Chateau Petrus sold for more
than $44,000! Many 19th
century vintages of Chateau Lafite and Chateau Mouton routinely
reach $20,000 or more per bottle. These wines are the most exclusive
examples available anywhere. As with most things, exclusivity
comes with a big price tag.
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