Going on auction on October 29 in London, Sotheby’s is presenting wines direct from the Chanel vineyards – historical vintages travelling back in time, highlighted by a selection of exclusive experiences.
Château Rauzan-Ségla on the Left Bank and Château Canon on the Right Bank are two historic châteaux facing each other across the Gironde estuary in the wine region of Bordeaux. This pair of iconic French estates are owned by Chanel, situated between Margaux and Saint-Émilion and characterised by their own unique terroir, with the wines they produce sharing a repute dating back centuries.
Sotheby’s is presenting a selection of wines this autumn, direct from the châteaux, where the bottles have remained untouched. Celebrating more than a century of winemaking on both banks, and 25 years of Chanel ownership, this auction features an assortment of over 60 rare vintages that span more than a century, from 1917 to 2020, and in a variety of formats, from bottle to Melchior (18 litres). This dedicated auction is a historic event, also marking the first time that wines from two properties carrying a Grand Cru and Premier Cru classification are being presented.
This unique sale comprises of over 900 lots, and is differentiated further by some unprecedented and exclusive on offer, including tours of the vineyards and châteaux, an overnight stay during harvest time, crossing the estuary between Margaux and Saint-Émilion, and several exciting and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities with Chanel, counting a visit to Mademoiselle Chanel’s apartment in Paris, the chance to discover the Chanel flower fields in Grasse (the birthplace of French perfumery) and an opportunity to experience the beating heart of Chanel’s art houses. With a combined estimate of over £730,000, the auction will open for bidding on October 15, leading up to a live auction in London on October 29.
The Worldwide Head of Sotheby’s Wine, Jamie Ritchie spoke about this unique sale, and said that Sotheby’s has been closely watching the steady resurgence of these two great Châteaux, whose reputations have been fully restored to their illustrious past, with each current vintage being one of the most sought-after by today’s collectors. Having undergone a significant period of investment where every decision was based on how to make the very best quality wine, reflecting their superb and distinct terroirs; each decision has been made with the long term in mind, and with no shortcuts being taken. The wines have been made under the management of Nicolas Audebert, defining class, combining purity, finesse and generosity, because there are no other two properties where one can measure this philosophy so closely and see such clear results. He further said that offering such an incredible range of great vintages directly from Château Rauzan Ségla and Château Canon-wines that have never left the cellars of either property until now-would provide lovers of the two great Châteaux an extraordinary opportunity to acquire, taste and enjoy historic wines in pristine condition.
Some unique experiences in this auction include:
• Paris-Bordeaux: Discovery of exclusive Chanel experiences: For two days, a unique stay at both Château Canon and Château Rauzan-Ségla, includes exclusive lunches in extraordinary settings, dinners at the Châteaux and a private cruise, to a rare and private visit to Mademoiselle Chanel’s Apartment in Paris, for up to three couples, estimated at £11,000 to £16,000.
• Great vintages stay at Château Rauzan-Ségla: A unique day and overnight stay at the Château all-inclusive for up to three couples, estimated at £4,000 to £8,000.
• Great vintages stay at Château Canon: A unique day at and an overnight stay at Château Canon, all-inclusive for up to three couples estimated at £4,000 to £8,000.
A selection of pre-War vintages being presented in the auction include:
• Château Canon 1926: 3 bottles, estimated at £950-£1,400 and 3 Magnums of the 1933 vintage, estimated at £1,400-2,000
• Château Canon 1945 and 1947: Estimated respectively at £550-£800 and £420-£600 Château Canon 1949, 2 Magnums, estimated at £2,800-£3,800 per lot Château Canon 1959, 3 Magnums, estimated at £2,400-£3,200 per lot Château Canon 1961, 6 bottles, estimated at £2,000-£2,800 per lot.
• Château Canon 1961: 3 Magnums, estimated at £2,200-£3,000 per lot Château Canon 1982, 6 Magnums, estimated at £1,800-£2,600 per lot and Château Canon 1982, 1 Jeroboam, estimated at £1,100-£1,500 per lot.
• A Millennium Horizontal (2000): 1 Jeroboam, 3 Magnums and 6 bottles, estimated at £1,500-£2,200.
• Rare large formats: Including a Melchior (18L) and a Nebuchadnezzar (15L) of the 2019 vintage, estimated respectively at £1,600-£2,200 and £1,300-£1,800 per lot.
• A rare bespoke barrel of Château Canon 2020, estimated at £24,000-£32,000.
Auction lots also include 32 bottles of pre-1962 vintages, and a large offering from the 1980s including Imperials.
