Driving through Sauternes, one is struck by the grandeur of the Chateau and just how fashionable and popular these wines must have once been. Our equivalent might be looking at a Yorkshire house built on wool and coal.

But they are still making Sauternes, and not only are the wines sensational, they also offer remarkable value considering how labour intensive they are to produce. Sadly, due to drinking habits, demand has declined over the last few decades. Jancis Robinson, ever the optimist, believes that Sauternes will reverse this trend and will come back into fashion. I hope she is right; she normally is.

When I look at the glassware inherited from my Great Grandfather (ironically, a mill owner from Yorkshire), compared to the glasses I use today, I rarely bring out the small ones. In 150 years, my family has gone from having a glass of Sauternes after a long day shouting at some poor urchin in Bradford to a large crisp glass of Sauvignon.

They sit at the very top table of wines made today. No cellar is complete without them. They should be drunk regularly. Don’t worry about having a bottle hanging around in the fridge and having a small glass or two for the sake of it. There does not need to be an occasion. Yes, there is no better wine to pair with the right food, but it can be drunk just on its own. My favourite en primeur tasting is always Sauternes. Tasting them young and side by side, every Chateau shows its unique style - not so obvious in young reds.

From the lighter elfin Chateau Coutet to the luscious voluptuous Marylin Monroe, Chateau La Tour Blanche.

In this auction, the vendor of the Sauternes started collecting during his time at Cambridge in the 1950s after falling in love with Sauternes. The remains of his collection are from 1949-1996. The majority of the wines were purchased from Berry Bros. & Rudd and have been kept in perfect condition in Wiltshire. His wife told us how these bottles were such an important part of his life. So, it is a great honour to offer them to you.

He rarely strayed from the finest houses or vintages and showed remarkable patience - understanding the glacial pace that they can age. Yes, they can be enjoyed young, but there is no other experience that can come from a mature Sauternes. The labels might not be as they once were, but the colour and corks are as they should be. The only way to describe the colour of a perfect old d’Yquem is to say it looks like a perfect old d’Yquem.

I like to imagine you opening a 1950 d' Yquem, 1967 de Fargues, 1962 Climens or a Magnum of 1976 Filhot on a cold winter’s day with friends and the excitement on everyone’s faces. Dreweatts is honoured to be a part of providing this experience.

Auction Details

This is a live online auction with an auctioneer. The auction will take place on Wednesday 30 September (starting at 10.30am BST) at Dreweatts Newbury, but please note all wine and spirits are stored off-site at LCB Eton Park. Bidding is available online, by telephone, by commission bids or in person at Dreweatts. Please contact Dreweatts to register all commission bids or telephone bids by 12 noon BST the day before the sale.

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The Single-Owner Auction: A Heritage Collection of Fine Wine: Tuesday 29 September

Alongside our Fine Wine, Champagne, Vintage Port & Spirits auction, we are pleased to offer an exciting single owner sale. The Single-Owner Auction: A Heritage Collection of Fine Wine spans celebrated names from Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, Sauternes and beyond, the collection includes wines purchased en primeur and carefully stored in private family cellars, offering exceptional provenance, condition and a remarkable selection of vintages.

THINKING OF SELLING? 
Our specialists can provide valuations on single bottles and entire cellars, as well as advice on starting and maintaining your cellar. For further details or a free auction valuation, please contact: 

Dreweatts Wine Department
Mark Robertson | Violette Jongbloed | Emily Clarke | Lucy Dadd
Direct tel: +44 (0) 1635 553 594
Main tel: +44 (0) 1635 553 553
Email: wine@dreweatts.com

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