All In All Done: The Picks #8

Hello, wine nerds.

The three auctions since my last missive revealed an intense interest in extreme rarities. Zachys "Rob Caine" sale saw white Burgundy (for which the consignor is known) soar to new heights. 1982 Coche Meursault (yes, the village wine) at $3,750 per bottle is no joke and a record by a large margin.

It certainly bodes well for Acker's upcoming March 26-28 auction called "La Paulee" at which the top 50 lots alone are valued at about $3M (low estimate). Of course, one of those lots is the 1945 Romanee Conti that Sotheby's sold (from Robert Drouhin's cellar) for, was it $500k? The low estimate is now $350,000. Bless the consignor who can lose $150,000 on a single bottle of wine.

The good news is that you're not here for the '45 RC. The bad news, as a buyer anyway, is that strong prices have buoyed prices across all categories.

But of course, that's why you have me.

For this week, I’ll focus on Zachys, which has a great auction for all levels and price points. There’s not much in the way of hidden gems at La Paulee, so let’s leave that alone for now.

Right off the bat: Lots 1-88 are an amazing selection of affordable grower champagnes, with a few grandes marques thrown in. I've never been disappointed by Agrapart, especially in mag, or Cedric Bouchard. Lots 47-49 is Marie Noelle Ledru, a wine that is exceedingly expensive and hard to find. When people ask about the "next big thing," it's wines like these grower champagnes. They're not exactly hidden gems any more, but we are still on the price upswing, so I'd get in now while we're still at half the price of a bottle of Krug.

On the Burgundy front, it's becoming more and more clear to me that 2014 is one of the greats. I love the restrained precision of these wines, and at 11 y/o they've been aging gracefully-- not only the Grands Crus but at all levels. I'd definitely pick up 355–one of Roumier's Chambolles–if you don't believe me.

I'm going to call out a couple of odd balls too, but ones that are worth having. The first is Vin Jaune Chateau Chalon Jean Bourdy 1937. This is something you never, ever see and will likely get lost in the shuffle. If you're drinking the "famous" regions every day you owe it to yourself to taste a vin jaune with this much age-- the oxidative style is perhaps not for everyone but it's truly unique in the wine world. Less expensive, there is some 1998 Puffeney one lot earlier.

If Italy or Madeira is your thing (or how about 1982 Palo Cortado) there's something there, too. 

As always, reply with a lot number if you’re considering bidding. I’ll tell you what I think.

Cheers,
-The Gavel God