Chateau d'Yquem collection goes for record price

A record price has been paid for a unique collection of 135 bottles of Chateau d’Yquem. The collection, which includes every consecutive vintage of the wine produced between 1860 and 2003, was sold for £775,000 by the Antique Wine Company in London. The unidentified European buyer takes possession of the most extensive living archive of the world’s most famous dessert wine. Not even the Chateau holds all of these vintages in its cellars.

On being asked if the older wines in the collection might still be drinkable, Stephen Williams, the Antique Wine Company’s Managing Director, said, ‘Absolutely! Chateau d’Yquem has the concentration necessary to mature for many years, even centuries. But the enjoyment of such rare wines is not just a question of taste; it is a remarkably nostalgic experience. In 1860 when peasants in Bordeaux were picking grapes for the oldest bottle in the collection, the US presidential election set the stage for the American Civil War!’

The bottles are housed in two bespoke walnut cabinets designed by furniture maker David Linley. They will be delivered this month, at which point the identity of the buyer will be announced.