On 30 November 2016 in London, Sotheby’s will present wine lovers with an extraordinary opportunity to acquire some of the greatest wines of our time. This immaculate private collection is a feast for the senses, not only encompassing First Growth Bordeaux and top Burgundy but majestic Rhônes, dazzling Champagne and blockbuster Italian and Californian wines. Acquired by a collector with a keen sense of fun, the wines were kept in impeccable storage and are now waiting to be relished or cellared for future enjoyment. Comprising over 700 lots, A Private Continental Collection is estimated to bring a total in the region of £700,000.

Serena Sutcliffe MW, Honorary Chairman, Sotheby’s Wine, said: “This is a truly immaculate private collection of wine, amassed by a passionate wine lover with a very sensitive palate and informed views. It is a paean of praise to brilliant winemakers from France, Italy, Spain, California and Australia and the delights and surprises cover the whole spectrum of reds, whites and some glittering Champagne.”

Bordeaux spans 1995, with the stunning Haut Brion, to 2013 with magnums of Petrus. Landmark stops along the way include Mouton Rothschild 1996, Latour 2000, Cheval Blanc 2003, Ausone 2005, Margaux 2009 and Le Pin 2010. Delectable white Bordeaux features both La Mission Haut Brion Blanc and Haut Brion Blanc 2013.

Grand Cru Burgundy is represented by a roll-call of great producers. Highlights include Clos Saint Denis 2002 from Dujac, Chambertin Clos de Bèze 2004 from Rousseau, Musigny Cuvée Vieilles Vignes 2009 from de Vogüé, Griotte Chambertin 2010 from Claude Dugat, Mazy Chambertin 2012 from Dugat-Py, Chambertin 2012 from Denis Mortet, with 1990 and 1999 mixed cases from Domaine de la Romanée- Conti bringing further gravitas. Sublime white Burgundy features Grands Crus from Domaine Leflaive and Henri Boillot spanning 2010 to 2013, plus a single bottle of Montrachet 2011 from DRC.

Northern Rhône includes the single parcel vineyards from Guigal, L’Ermite, Le Méal and Le Pavillon from Chapoutier and legendary Hermitage La Chapelle 1966 recently released from Domaine Paul Jaboulet Aîné. An impressive range of Southern Rhône features Châteauneuf du Pape Clos St. Jean, Clos des Papes, Domaine du Pégau, Roger Sabon and Pignan. Other treats include Domaine de Trévallon and Domaine de la Grange des Pères.

Glittering Champagne includes Krug Clos du Mesnil 1985, Salon Le Mesnil Blanc des Blancs 1995 and Louis Roederer Cristal Brut 2002, as well as Bollinger R.D. and Dom Pérignon Œnothèque. Masseto in vintages from 2001 to 2012 and Solaia spanning 1997 to 2012, including double magnums and imperials, are features of the broad Italian selection that also encompasses Ornellaia and Sassicaia. The iconic names of Vega Sicilia Unico and Pingus, Harlan and Opus One, Sine Qua Non and Penfolds Grange, complete this star- studded collection.