The undisputed highlight of this sale is a remarkable selection of single-lot verticals featuring vinous icons - a rare treat for those building a new collection from scratch or hosting a lavish, vertical-themed tasting. First Growths are showcased in a staggering range of vintages: Lafite 1981–2018, Latour 1970–2011, Margaux 1978–2016, and Mouton Rothschild 1970–2018. Completing the Bordeaux verticals is the Right Bank’s most esteemed name, Petrus, offering a unique opportunity to acquire this legendary wine in every vintage from 1980 to 2016 - a perfect addition to any connoisseur’s cellar. The Dom Pérignon vertical (1976–2012) is sure to captivate Champagne lovers, featuring the highly regarded 1996, 2002, and 2008 among its exceptional vintages. All verticals were sourced from reputable British merchants and have been professionally stored since purchase.

First Growths, Petrus and Dom Pérignon across decades

Legends in Vertical

In addition to the showstopping verticals, this auction offers a diverse selection of wines from this highly regarded region. In the first collection, all the First Growths are represented in both bottles and magnums. On the Right Bank, Petrus, Le Pin, and Cheval Blanc reign supreme, showcased in a comprehensive range of vintages. Many wines are in pristine original wooden cases, some with château bands either still intact or carefully removed during inspection. Across the sale, there is also a wonderful selection of powerful Second Growths from iconic vintages, such as Pichon Longueville Lalande 2009 and Cos d’Estournel 1982. Finally, the sale includes a small but tightly curated consignment of blockbuster Lafite from the legendary 1989 and 1990 vintages. The property of a highly regarded wine professional, these cases were acquired directly from the Château, remained unopened until inspection for this sale, and have been stored at Octavian since arrival.

Classed Growths and other gems from the Gironde

Timeless Bordeaux

The Burgundy line-up in this sale rivals the impressive Bordeaux offerings, promising to satisfy even the most discerning connoisseurs. The first collection showcases an exceptional range of the region’s most revered names, including Musigny from Comte Georges de Vogüé in 11 vintages, several lots of Chambertin from Armand Rousseau, and a pristine assortment case from Domaine de la Romanée-Conti. One of the sale’s highlights is the mighty Vosne-Romanée Cros Parantoux 2019 from Emmanuel Rouget. Notably, these wines are in fabulous condition, with impeccable provenance. Last but not least, the following consignment features a diverse selection of cuvées from the highly regarded Perrot-Minot, spanning various vintages and formats, including Chambertin 2015 in magnum.

Celebrated wines from Rouget, Rousseau, Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Leroy and more

Iconic Burgundy

The variety of Champagne in the first collection is truly spectacular, featuring only the best of the best from the most celebrated houses. The Bollinger offering includes R.D., La Grande Année, La Côte aux Enfants, Vieilles Vignes Françaises, Blanc de Noirs, and La Grande Année Rosé, spanning multiple vintages. Dom Pérignon is showcased across 14 lots, with Oenothèque 1996, P3 1982, and P2 2002 among them. The mighty Krug Clos du Mesnil is represented in two vintages - widely regarded as the finest of the 21st century so far - 2002 and 2008. Finally, no selection would be complete without Louis Roederer Cristal, Salon, and Taittinger Comtes de Champagne, all offered across multiple vintages.

A multitude of cuvées from the Grandes Marques, in many vintages

Champagne Luminaries

The wonderful array of French wines in this sale is complemented by some of the finest names from southern Europe, highlighting the pioneers who successfully brought Italian and Spanish wines to the forefront of the auction market. The coveted Masseto, a true jewel in the Frescobaldi portfolio, is featured across 10 lots, including a limited-edition vertical case. Another Tuscan powerhouse, Sassicaia, is represented in 12 vintages. Enthusiasts of Spanish wines will not be disappointed by the selection of Vega Sicilia ‘Unico,’ available in several vintages and in impeccable condition.

Masseto, Sassicaia, Vega Sicilia, and many more

Italian and Spanish Jewels

‘No one tastes these often, especially since phylloxera took its toll, making their rarity even more acute. But my few "sightings" of Screaming Eagle have totally won me over - they have a glossy richness and glycerol to them that I find nowhere else.’ Serena Sutcliffe, MW Rarely do we encounter such a complete and comprehensive collection of one of California’s most coveted cult wines. Screaming Eagle epitomizes exclusivity—a wine that few have the chance to taste each year. This vertical is an opportunity not to be missed, with all wines in pristine condition and sourced exclusively from reputable merchants.

Screaming Eagle - the Vertical

Director | Deputy Head of Wine EMEA | Senior Specialist 

Frédéric Guyot du Repaire

Director | Head of Wine Auction Sales UK

Claire Collini

Deputy Director | Senior Specialist

Finn Schauer

Director, |Senior Specialist | Inspections UK & Europe

James Reed

Specialist, Property

Zofia Dalkowska

Meet our Specialists

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Sotheby’s Wine is delighted to present the second Various Owner auction of the 2025 season, Legends in Vertical | Finest &amp; Rarest Wines, open for bidding from 17 March 2025 at 10:00 GMT and closing from 10:00 BST on 31 March.