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The Enduring Appeal of Second Wines | Fine Wine, Champagne, Vintage Port and Spirits | Wednesday 27 May 2026
On Wednesday 27 May, we are excited to present our monthly auction of Fine Wine, Champagne, Vintage Port and Spirits. Ahead of the auction, Dreweatts’ Senior Wine Consultant, Mark Robertson explores the enduring appeal of second wines, bottles that have evolved from modest counterparts and why they continue to captivate collectors and wine enthusiasts alike.
Second Wines have been made since the 19th century, but it is only in the last 30 years that they have gained the prominence and respect that we see today.
For the Grand Vin, the recipe is normally a simple one - put the best grapes from the best plots in it. There is always a morsel of mystery to a second wine and it can change with every vintage. It is produced from younger vines, fruit or juice that doesn’t quite meet the requirements needed for Grand Vin. However, what is never disputed is that the same level of expertise is always used for both wines.
I love second wines, and with the stricter selection and modern technology, the quality is higher than ever. While prices have risen, many collectors and particularly younger buyers, are alienated from owning the Grand Vin, therefore second wines offer an excellent introduction.
2000 Carraudes de Lafite, drunk in 2010, was a remarkable wine. I have no doubt it still is.
I also love the imagination or nods to history in their names… sometimes they feel like collective nouns: “The Thoughts of Lafleur”, “The Hope of Trotanoy”, and my favourite “A Whisper of Larcis Ducasse”. I will not name and shame the Châteaux that just use “Petit”!
Many are also more than just “second wines”, Les Forts de Latour are the most renowned. The majority of the grapes come from its own plot within the Château’s most fabled vineyard - L’Enclos. A little more merlot and a little less oak is used than the big brother. But with Château Latour’s zealous attention to detail, it is a wine that many believe stands shoulder to shoulder with many classed growths.
In this monthly auction, we are delighted to offer a wonderful collection of Les Forts de Latour from 1989 – 2008 in various formats.
Auction Details
This is a live online auction with an auctioneer. The auction will take place on Wednesday 27 May (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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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
Fine Wine, Champagne, Vintage Port and Spirits
27 May 2026, 10:30 AM
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