The Grand Chiswick Wine Auction

A Discovery of Fine and Rare Treasures

The Grand Chiswick Wine Auction announces the sale of extraordinary fine and rare wine lots, sourced from six cellars with remarkable provenance. Previously owned by iconic figures in the public eye and only recently revealed, these cellars offer a veritable treasure trove of vinous history to collectors and enthusiasts alike. Among these bottles are some of the rarest and most coveted wines, each carrying a story from the past century and beyond.

Burgundy Gems from the Early 20th Century

The auction catalogue reads like a Burgundy lover's dream, with an array of wines from 1923, a vintage particularly hailed for its longevity and concentration. Highlights include:

1923 Musigny Lupe Cholet with a fill level of 6cm, a testament to its well-preserved condition. This bottle comes from one of the region's most illustrious appellations, known for its elegance and finesse.
The 1923 Nuits St Georges 1er Les Vaugrans Chauvenet (4cm) and 1923 Gevrey Chambertin Le Chambertin Chauvenet (4cm) are equally exciting finds, showcasing some of the finest terroir from the Côte de Nuits.
An even older treasure is the 1920 Charmes Chambertin, an offering from Christie's Wine Department (5cm), whose grower remains a mystery but whose legacy is assured by its vintage.

For those with an eye for rare white Burgundy, the 1906 Chassagne Montrachet from Christie's Wine Department (6cm) is a stunning discovery. Its age and pedigree make it a once-in-a-lifetime acquisition.

Legends from the Past: The Lafite Dynasty

Of course, no auction of this calibre would be complete without Bordeaux royalty and the inclusion of 1858, 1874, and 1875 Lafite is bound to make waves. These bottles represent some of the earliest vintages from Château Lafite Rothschild, a name synonymous with luxury and prestige. Their provenance adds a further layer of intrigue to what is already a remarkable lineup.

Rare Bourgognes and Personal Histories

The auction also features a selection of bottles from the personal cellar of Pope John Paul II, including:

1983 Morey St Denis 1er Cuvee du Pape Jean Paul II Bryczek
1978 Cuvee du Pape Jean Paul II Bryczek, an unknown appellation with a missing label, a rarity with immense historical significance.

These wines offer a glimpse into the Pontiff's preferences and also stand as a symbol of the relationship between the Church and Burgundy's vignerons.

Further standout lots include a 1929 Mazis Chambertin Grand Cru (4cm), a 1983 Chambolle Musigny Bryczek in perfect condition, and a series of older vintages like the 1919 Bourgogne Rouge Thorins Potheret Chalon Sur Saône, which vary from 2cm to 5cm.

A Collector's Paradise

The inaugural Grand Chiswick Wine Auction promises to be a spectacle for collectors, with every lot telling a unique story of provenance and prestige. From the well-preserved bottles of the early 20th century to the mythical Lafites, these wines are not only a testament to winemaking history but also an opportunity for buyers to acquire a piece of vinous heritage.