Sotheby’s Wines in the Spotlight (4/4)

An iconic brand synonymous with luxury and refinement, Sotheby’s is the world’s largest, most trusted and dynamic marketplace for fine art and rare objects. Established in London in 1744 and now headquartered in New York, Sotheby’s got its start as an auctioneer of scarce and valuable books and over the years, has built an impeccable reputation for trust and authenticity. Backed by an unrivaled network of highly skilled experts that spans 40 countries and at least that many specialties, Sotheby’s and its partners – including Sotheby’s International Realty, RM Sotheby’s, Sotheby’s Institute of Art and Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions – promote access, connoisseurship and preservation for everything from art, jewelry and watches to interiors, cars and real estate, and yes, even wine!   

Sotheby’s first recorded sale of wine was in 1868 at Wellington Street in London, when 1,300 dozen Rhine wines were offered at auction. There would not be another sale of note, however, for over 100 years, when in 1970, the wine department was officially formed in an effort to secure potential business from clients selling estate wine through a competitor. Rallying against early opposition by the board, during that first year, according to Stuart George, “The turnover for the inaugural season of wine sales was £148,288,” today’s equivalent of about $189,000 USDs.” Fast forward to 2023 when Sotheby’s reported that “annual worldwide auction sales of Wine & Spirits achieved a record of $158 million total sales in 2022, surpassing last year’s high of $132 million – a 20% increase year over year.”    

Contributing to Sotheby’s record wine sales success is its ability to offer a comprehensive network to bid, buy, sell, store and discover fine wines and spirits on a worldwide scale. Offering a range of wines at all price points, in pristine condition with impeccable provenance, from the best producers in the world’s top winemaking regions, Sotheby’s has become a trusted source for everything relating to wine and spirits. Perhaps best known for its auction house – attracting the world’s most prestigious collections – many are surprised to learn that Sotheby’s also operates retail stores where you can browse expertly-chosen selections. Whether you are an avid collector, looking for a special bottle to give as a gift or simply want to impress your guests at your next dinner party, Sotheby’s Wine offers a selection of the world’s best wines for every palate and occasion.

Recognizing that choosing a wine can be intimidating for many people, in November 2019, Sotheby’s launched a range of Sotheby’s-branded wines marketed as the Own Label Collection. By leveraging years of experience and extensive relationships, Sotheby’s ensures that each of its Own Label Collection wines is of high-quality, authentic to the region and a good value for the money. This not only helps consumers take the guesswork out of choosing a great bottle of wine but means they are getting the best value from classic regions at affordable prices. That is a win-win!

You will not find these highly sought-after wines on the shelves at your favorite store; however, the Own Label Collection is currently only available for purchase at sothebyswine.com or its flagship retail stores in New York and Hong Kong. Check out the latest offerings below.

• 2017 Sotheby’s: Bourgogne Rouge – From the Burgundy region of France, this classic fragrant red has a lightness of touch but plenty of depth of character. It has an elegant expression of Pinot Noir that shows aromatic, bright and juicy red fruit with a nice fresh, chalky mineral finish. Find notes of cherry and strawberry with a hint of smoke and spice. It is produced by the Clair family, a small family property that has an established track record of producing classic, enjoyable, terroir-driven wines. Pairs well with game, poultry and cheese.

• NV Sotheby’s: Champagne Rosé – Produced by Canard Duchêne, this gorgeous Rose from the Champagne region of France features the perfect blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier grapes. With subtle, vibrant red fruits, strawberries, raspberries and cherries, along with peach and pear, it has plenty of flavor, body and dimension while being fresh. This is a celebratory Champagne that can be enjoyed all day and all night.

• NV – Sotheby’s: Champagne, Blanc de Blancs, Grand Cru – This light, elegant and versatile Champagne is Sotheby’s #1 best-selling wine. 6th generation owner and winemaker Julien Barbier of the Legras family makes this Champagne from 100% Grand Cru vineyards in Chouilly and supplies the house champagne for a number of renowned three-Michelin star restaurants in Europe. It is a Blanc de Blancs, which means it is made exclusively from Chardonnay and has a fresh, mineral nose with lovely citrus notes and a hint of toasted brioche. This extremely versatile wine is perfect for any occasion and can be enjoyed any time of day.

• 2017 Sotheby’s: Chianti Rùfina Riserva – A classic Chianti from Tuscany with bright red fruits, plums and cherries. Made from Sangiovese, Colorino and Canaiolo grapes, it is savory and spicy and mid-weight, with fresh acidity. It is soft, supple and satisfying, with a brightness at the finish. It pairs perfectly with any red sauce pasta and pizza.

• 2019 Sotheby’s: Côtes du Rhône – In 1997, after completing his oenological studies in Beaune, Stéphane Ogier formally joined the family estate and produced this wonderful Côtes du Rhône. Made from Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre grapes, it has a subtle fresh and fragrant Syrah nose. Red and black cherries with liquorice. Savory and spicy red and black fruits with notes of leather and earth. This is textbook Cotes du Rhône with more Syrah than you would normally find. Excellent body, weight and structure, with richness and depth. It pairs well with steak and roasted meats.

• 2019 Sotheby’s: Lo Stradone, Tuscan Red – Made from Sangiovese, Petit Verdot, Merlot and Syrah grapes. This Tuscan red has a Vivacious bouquet of vibrant red and black fruits, with cherry, cedar and spice, along with earthy, leafy notes. It fills the mouth with sumptuous red fruits, along with fine tannins and a bright savory red cherry, liquorice finish. Plenty of body, depth and richness to balance the acidity and quite moreish, which means you want the next sip/glass/bottle—perfect pairing with pizza, ragu or cheese.

• 2020 Sotheby’s: Pinot Grigio  – A product of the Friuli region in Northwest Italy, this is a Pinot Grigio with real character. Lemon, peach, pear and stone fruits on the nose with hints of spice and a saline, mineral note. Elegant, harmonious and well-balanced. It delivers a fresh, spicy peach finish. This is in the perfect place between Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc and can be enjoyed by lovers of both. Chill, serve and enjoy it with a perfect plate of antipasti or your favorite charcuterie board.

• 2017 Sotheby’s: Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast – This Sonoma, California, Pinot Noir is produced by Lioco. Owners Matt & Sara Licklider and their team make Pinots with minerality, depth, integrity and plenty of flavor. An overwhelming favorite, this wine is a seductive and approachable expression of Pinot Noir, showing lush, bright and slightly sweet raspberry, wild strawberry and cherry fruit with spice. It finishes with a slightly rich texture while maintaining lifted energy and elegance and is perfect with game, poultry and cheese.

• 2020 Sotheby’s: Provence Rosé – Made from Grenache, Cinsault, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah grapes, this Rosé has a gorgeous pale salmon pink color. White flowers, stone fruits, watermelon, grapefruit, strawberries and raspberries with minerality and lively acidity. An absolutely classic Provence Rosé, which has depth and flavor but is still bright and refreshing. It pairs well with nearly any food as it is incredibly versatile and refreshing.  

A Few New Listings this Week