Rare vintage 1900 Château d’Yquem on the market

An exceptionally rare bottle of 1900 Château d’Yquem (re-corked at the Château in 1996) is to be auctioned by Dreweatts in the UK next month.

The 123-year-old bottle has been carefully stored in the cellar of a private collector for many years. The year it was produced was the first of the 19 century. Queen Victoria was on the throne, Puccini's opera, Tosca premiered in Rome and the first Michelin Guide was published in France.

Considered the best sweet wine in the world, Château d’Yquem is a Premier Cru Supérieur, which translates as ‘Superior First Growth’ and was given this classification in the Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855. 

The wine is coveted because of its concentration, terroir distinction and complexity with its sweetness and acid balance delivering a freshness that belies its age.

When it ages it evolves to reveal exquisite aromas and flavours of fresh brioche, crème brulée and salted caramel and layers of complexity in the final taste. When a bottle of this calibre appears on the market it attracts much attention.

The team at Dreweatts advised it has been given a conservative estimate of AUD$6000-$8000 (a bottle of 1811 Chateau d'Yquem sold for AUD$143,000 in 2011 rendering it the most expensive bottle of white wine to date). Dreweatts auctioneers anticipate competitive bidding from around the world.

Mark Robertson, Wine Consultant at Dreweatts, said: “Having been re-corked at the Chateau in 1996 and stored beautifully by a collector and restaurateur ever since, this 1900 Château d’Yquem is a compelling combination of a mouth-watering colour, provenance and historical importance. Château d’Yquem’s enchantment is her ability to age and I often tell my clients to buy Château Climens for themselves, but Château d’Yquem for their descendants. Dreweatts is privileged to be able to offer the opportunity to own this great bottle and create unique memories. At 123 years of age, I believe this is one of the finest and most important bottles of mature Chateau d'Yquem on the market today.”