, ,

‘No Reserve’ Auction of Wines from the Cellar of Lewis Chester Totals £1.4 Million / $1.7 Million

By Sotheby’s

Expansive offering represents a fraction of one of Europe’s most extensive and comprehensive cellars, curated over many years by the collector, fine wine and rare spirits writer, and founder of the ‘Oscars of Fine Wine’: The Golden Vines® Awards

LONDON, 2 JUNE 2023 – Sotheby’s sale of wines from the cellar of Lewis Chester concluded yesterday, having achieved an exceptional total of £1,382,309 / $1,727,886. The ‘No Reserve’ auction attracted more than 15,700 bids and global participation from 35 countries, with all 774 lots going to some 200 buyers across Europe, the US and Asia – 30% of them new to Sotheby’s.

The expansive offering represented a mere fraction of one of Europe’s most extensive and comprehensive cellars, curated over many years by Lewis Chester DipWSET – the extraordinarily determined collector and fine wine and rare spirits writer, and founder of the ‘Oscars of Fine Wine’: The Golden Vines® Awards.

Lewis’ motivation to offer the first tranche of his collection at auction was driven in part by his collection having grown far too big to contemplate consuming it all, and by a desire to provide fellow fine wine devotees the opportunity to acquire superb wines with impeccable provenance. All bottles were purchased either direct from the respective Domaines via allocation or from only the most reputable UK merchant, then carefully cellared in professional temperature-controlled storage.

“We knew that Lewis’s cellar was extraordinary in terms of quality and quantity, as he’s such an ardent, focussed collector. It’s a huge joy to have had such a positive result, and it’s a thrill for the team in London to have brought these wines to the market and to see such magnificent results. The prices provide a strong and positive signpost into the second half of the year, underlining Sotheby’s strength in the marketplace and connection to collectors, both new and existing.”

GARY OWEN, HEAD OF AUCTION SALES, UK, SOTHEBY’S WINE

“Firstly, a big thank you to the extraordinary team at Sotheby’s Wine who have been a joy to work with, both for this auction and in building our new long-term partnership for the Golden Vines® and Gerard Basset Foundation. It’s been very exciting to see the positive reaction from fine wine lovers globally to the wines being sold in this inaugural auction which reflect my own journey of discovery and love for fine wine.”

LEWIS CHESTER

The Inaugural Selection was dominated by wines from five key regions: Burgundy, Champagne, Bordeaux, Rhône, and Piedmont. Lewis’ meticulous approach to collecting and study of fine wine was reflected in not only the all-star roster of legendary Domaines and Châteaux, but crucially also in the strict prevalence of lauded vintages from all of the represented appellations.

Burgundy led the charge, and the selection was fittingly typified by apex Domaines: Rousseau, Roumier, de Vogüé, Leflaive, and Ponsot, to name but a few. Venturing north to Champagne, the monumental houses of Krug and Dom Pérignon were represented by a staggering range of cuvées, vintages and large formats. First Growths Lafite, Latour, and Margaux plus Haut-Brion Blanc flew the flag for the Left Bank in Bordeaux, with the Right Bank supplying rare double-magnums of Le Pin and magnums of Lafleur. The consignment also included wines from the Loire and Mosel valleys, Tuscany, Switzerland, and Santa Cruz Mountains.

Full results of The Cellar of Lewis Chester | The Inaugural Selection | No Reserve available here.

Liquid Icons and The Golden Vines® Awards

“Our partnership with Lewis will continue this year with October’s Golden Vines weekend in Paris. Inspirational gala dinners, luxurious lunches and exceptional masterclasses await those who join us as we raise money exclusively for The Gérard Basset Foundation to fund educational programmes on diversity and inclusivity in the wine.”

AMAYÈS AOULI, SOTHEBY’S HEAD OF WINE, EUROPE

Earlier this year, Sotheby’s Wine announced a new multi-year partnership with The Golden Vines® Awards and the Gérard Basset Foundation. Sotheby’s will conduct the Golden Vines® Live Auction which raises money exclusively for the Foundation’s work around diversity and inclusivity in the wine, spirits and hospitality sector, during the Golden Vines® Dress to Party Charity Gala on Friday 13 October 2023 at Pavillons de Bercy in Paris.

Liquid Icons was founded by two friends, Gérard Basset OBE MW MS and Lewis Chester DipWSET. When Gérard discovered that he had terminal cancer, the need to create something lasting and emphatic that would help create a lasting legacy for Gérard’s incredible achievements became a singular goal for the company. In 2018, The Global Fine Wine Report was born which, since Gérard’s death in January 2019, has become known as The Gérard Basset Global Fine Wine Report. Uniquely, the Report – a free publication – is based on a detailed survey that is completed by leading fine wine professionals globally: Masters of Wine (MW), Master Sommeliers (MS), sommeliers, wine brokers and merchants, wine press and other members of the fine wine industry.

In the summer of 2020, Lewis had the idea of taking the ‘Winners in the Report’ and creating the ‘Oscars of Fine Wine’, to be known as The Golden Vines Awards. These awards would help elevate the fine wine industry by creating a world-class event that would celebrate the very best from the world of fine wine. At the same time, in order to enhance Gérard’s lasting legacy, Lewis and Nina Basset (Gérard’s widow) agreed to create a charity in Gerard’s name: the Gérard Basset Foundation (the Foundation). The Golden Vines Awards would be run as a not-for-profit, with all profits from the event and related charity auctions going to the Foundation.

/by
,

Macallan Rare Cask, 2021 

Macallan Rare Cask, 2021

The Macallan Rare Cask features a deep ruby mahogany colour and displays an intense sweet raisin note, coupled with a rich, velvety smooth mouthfeel and complexity to provide an indulgent and highly sensorial whisky experience.

ABV : 43% | VOLUME : 70CL

RARE CASK, 2021 RELEASE

A Rare and Special Discovery

Please visit our https://www.themacallan.com/ on how to place an order in Spain.

 EL PRODUCTO ACTUALMENTE ESTÁ AGOTADO O NO DISPONIBLE PARA LA VENTA EN SU UBICACIÓN ESTAMOS ENTREGANDO A:

THE EXPERIENCE

  • COLOUR

    Ruby Mahogany

  • NOSE

    Soft notes of vanilla with rich raisin, followed by a sweet fusion of fresh apple, lemon and orange.

  • PALATE

    An intense sweet raisin dominates before giving way to vanilla and dark chocolate, with layers of light citrus zest.

  • FINISH

    Long, rich and velvety.

  • ABV

Rare Cask

A QUEST FOR THE EXTRAORDINARY

Rare Cask is crafted from the finest and rarest sherry seasoned oak casks, unearthed by The Macallan Whisky Mastery Team using their knowledge, skill, passion, and creativity in their quest to seek out the extraordinary.

This single malt whisky reveals the remarkable art and science of the Whisky Maker in selecting unique oak casks that exhibit a distinctive and complex flavour profile. They were curated for maturation by The Macallan Master of Wood and delivered to the exacting specifications of The Macallan Whisky Mastery Team to create Rare Cask. This luxurious expression highlights the magic and science in The Macallan’s intricate whisky making process, as the whisky maker identifies the exceptional oak casks which impart the intense and highly complex flavour profile.

Soft aromas of vanilla with rich raisin lead the journey of discovery into this single malt whisky, followed by a sweet fusion of fresh apple, lemon and orange. Intense sweet raisin flavours dominate the palate, before giving way to vanilla and dark chocolate, with layers of light citrus zest. The finish is long, rich and velvety to offer a decadent whisky experience that will leave a lasting impression.

Every oak cask has its own personality, with little differences that make them unique. From time to time The Macallan Whisky Mastery Team discovers casks maturing in our warehouses which stand out from the others.

 Sarah Burgess, Lead Whisky Maker

Marks of Distinction

FROM THE CASK

Every Macallan single malt reveals the unrivalled commitment to the mastery of wood and spirit for which The Macallan has been known since it was established in 1824. It is an expression of our enduring desire to go beyond ordinary, to seek out the extraordinary, and create peerless single malts.

Our reputation for the extraordinary is characterised by the exceptional oak casks for which The Macallan is renowned. Sourced, crafted, toasted and seasoned under the watchful eye of the Master of Wood, the hand-picked casks are delivered to the demanding specifications of the Whisky Mastery Team. It is the oak that makes the greatest contribution to the quality, natural colour and distinctive aromas and flavours at the heart of this single malt whisky.

Once filled, the maturing spirit remains undisturbed in the same casks for the necessary number of years it needs to be worthy of its destined Macallan expression. It is these oak casks that make the greatest contribution to the quality, natural colour and distinctive aromas and flavours which lie at the heart of The Macallan single malt.

/by
LÉGENDAIREQUINTESSENCE DU TEMPS
, , , , , , ,

FERRAND COGNAC – Légendaire Quintessence du temps

LÉGENDAIREQUINTESSENCE DU TEMPS

FERRAND COGNAC

L’HÉRITAGE DE LA VIGNE

S’étendant profondément dans le sol fertile et remontant à travers les âges, les vignes qui ornent les douces pentes de la Grande Champagne de Cognac tournent leurs succulents fruits au soleil comme des hommages à Mère Nature. Ces anciens vignobles – le Premier Cru de Cognac – sont notre patrie, la genèse de cognacs rares et précieux avec une minéralité et une finesse uniques qui reflètent les bénédictions de cette terre de légende. Chaque raisin est un monde en soi : un microcosme, un terroir exceptionnel de calcaires crétacés, réchauffé par un soleil abondant et rafraîchi par la brise de l’océan, comme aucun autre endroit sur terre.

L’INTERVENTION DIVINEDU TEMPS

Sous le manoir de la famille Ferrand, construit en 1861, notre Chais Paradis est gardé par deux anges zélés : Temps et Patience. Ensemble, ils exercent leur magie sur les spiritueux qui vieillissent dans des fûts en bois noble. Les plus anciens contiennent des messages laissés par des artisans disparus, pour être déchiffrés par ceux qui ont la chance de les découvrir.

Lorsque les anges sont rassasiés et que les cognacs qu’ils ont gardés atteignent leur sommet de perfection, il est temps de donner une dernière touche transcendante. Le contenu des anciens tonneaux est transféré dans un fût en bois où se produit la magie de l’assemblage. L’effet très particulier de rayures de bois du fût est dû aux douelles qui sont progressivement remplacées par de nouvelles aux intervalles de quelques années pour donner encore plus de complexité et de finesse à l’ensemble.

RÉALISATION D’UN CHEF-D’ŒUVRE

Alexandre Gabriel, Maître de chai de la Maison Ferrand depuis plus de 30 ans, se lance dans chaque création avec une vision singulière. Pour Légendaire, le chef d’œuvre de Cognac Ferrand, il compose un assemblage des plus vénérables cognacs du Paradis. Chaque cognac qui prête sa voix à l’harmonie de Légendaire apporte un ton unique, en écho à son profil aromatique particulier, à sa durée de vieillissement et à la part offerte aux anges. Le fût zébré dans lequel l’assemblage se fait ne donne que 500 bouteilles d’un cognac vraiment sublime et unique en son genre. Ceci est l’expression ultime de la poursuite de la perfection qui est la marque de Cognac Ferrand.

LÉGENDAIREQUINTESSENCE DU TEMPS

LÉGENDAIREQUINTESSENCE DU TEMPS

L’ESSENCE DU TEMPS, PRÉSERVÉE DANS LE CRISTAL

Un cognac aussi distingué et rare que Légendaire est destiné à être servi dans une carafe aussi impressionnante que le spiritueux inégalé qu’il contient. Les illustres maîtres cristalliers de Waltersperger ont su créer un récipient digne de ce cognac, une carafe en cristal soufflée à la main, fabriquée au cœur de la vallée de la Bresle en Haute-Normandie, en France. Comme Cognac Ferrand, qui ne cesse jamais de défendre l’art et l’artisanat du cognac, Waltersperger incarne le savoir-faire et la qualité qui caractérisent la tradition de la cristallerie de la vallée de la Bresle depuis le 15ème siècle. Œuvre d’art en soi, la carafe de cristal raconte les merveilles de Légendaire dans une imagerie superbement travaillée.

VIVRE LE SUBLIME

Grâce aux nombreuses existences vécues par Légendaire dans les Chais Paradis, l’ultime cognac dévoile des notes de rancio de chocolat, de pruneau, de santal, de tabac et de muscade. D’une douceur et d’une complexité rares, les arômes subtilement épicés de clou de girofle, de cardamone, de poivre et de paprika se mêlent à la richesse du caramel beurré, de l’amande, de la vanille et du miel. Un profil floral et fruité s’ensuit avec la rose séchée, le jasmin, le safran, le fruit de la passion et le vieux vin de port.

La dernière étape de la dégustation de Légendaire évoque la mandarine, la mûre et l’aubépine associées à la mousse, au cacao et à l’encens, renforçant la sensation transcendante de plénitude et de profondeur. Comme le noble raisin, Légendaire contient des multitudes, un microcosme des merveilles de la nature et des siècles de savoir-faire artisanal qui arrivent à culmination dans ce moment.

www.ferrandcognac.com

 

 

/by
FOUR SEASONS RESORT NEVIS CELEBRATES 29TH ANNIVERSARY WITH UNVEILING OF EXCLUSIVE NEW CROWNED MONKEY RUM
, , , , , , , , , ,

FOUR SEASONS RESORT NEVIS CELEBRATES 29TH ANNIVERSARY WITH UNVEILING OF EXCLUSIVE NEW CROWNED MONKEY RUM

Four Seasons Resort Nevis has unveiled a bespoke signature rum at crowned monkey RUM BAR, fittingly called Crowned Monkey Rum. A project that has been years in the making is finally launching in conjunction with the Resort’s 29th Anniversary, and to mark the momentous occasion, the first bottle will be sold for USD 29,000 to represent the 29 years since the property opened.

FOUR SEASONS RESORT NEVIS CELEBRATES 29TH ANNIVERSARY WITH UNVEILING OF EXCLUSIVE NEW CROWNED MONKEY RUM

The legendary Caribbean resort launches a one-of-a-kind Caribbean rum blend

FOUR SEASONS RESORT NEVIS CELEBRATES 29TH ANNIVERSARY WITH UNVEILING OF EXCLUSIVE NEW CROWNED MONKEY RUM

NEW CROWNED MONKEY RUM

Exclusive to crowned monkey RUM BAR, only one barrel of Crowned Monkey Rum was produced, yielding a total of 345 private label bottles. “Bottle 001,” which comes adorned with the original cask seal, is sure to become an instant collector’s item, giving the opportunity for rum lovers and long-time fans of Four Seasons Resort Nevis to purchase a piece of history.

“We wanted to create something special that spoke to the history of the property and its significance here in Nevis,” says Pasquo King, Director of Food and Beverage. “From its rich, caramel colour and light vanilla notes to the hints of aromatic floral scents that waft over the senses as it is poured into the glass, this is a rum that represents the legacy of the Resort while showcasing the history of the destination.”

Crowned Monkey Rum was produced by Foursquare Rum Distillery in Barbados and aged for 14 years in a single Jim Beam bourbon barrel. The rum spent its first eight years in the tropics before being transferred for five years to age in more temperate climates and finally returning to the region for its final year before its local hand filling, labelling and bottling in Nevis.

As an unfiltered rum, all of the wonderful oils developed over the years allow Crowned Monkey Rum to have a smooth and creamy mouth feel with notes of burnt caramel, hints of vanilla and light golden raisins, which gives it a delicate balance throughout with a sweet aftertaste on the finish of light toffee and even lighter honey and floral notes. The rum enjoys a wonderful prolonged finish that belies its 46% ABV, which also serves to elevate the balance between more flavour at more strength.

“It was important to get the right rum, something that was a smooth sipping rum,” said Mark Theron, Master Rum Blender. “The rum breathes life into the warm feel of the Caribbean and exemplifies craftsmanship making it the perfect addition to any rum collection.”

To symbolise Nevis, the Crowned Monkey Rum label was specifically designed to pay homage to the lush beauty of the Resort’s island home, as well as highlight the green vervet monkeys that are the unofficial ambassadors of the island and the namesake of the rum bar at Four Seasons. Aside from Bottle 001, guests can also purchase a bottle number that is significant to them for USD 288 or by the shot (45ml) for USD 22. The rum will also be available in the bar’s new signature cocktail, called The Peak. The drink stirs in vanilla sugar and cherry bitters to complement the rum before being smoked with cherry wood to enhance the flavour profiles.

For reservations, book online, call (869) 469 6238 or contact your travel professional (chain code FS).

/by