For collectors and connoisseurs of the great wines of France, the coming days promise to be particularly eventful, with two major auctions showcasing some of the most celebrated names in French viticulture.
On December 1st, Sotheby’s London will host a sale titled “Legends from Château Lafite”, featuring an exceptional collection of wines directly linked to the Rothschild family and other ex-château bottles. Running concurrently, Christie’s is presenting an online auction from November 14th to 19th, celebrating the 200th anniversary of Domaine Faiveley, one of Burgundy’s most historic and respected estates.
Sotheby’s London: “Legends from Château Lafite”
The Sotheby’s sale brings to market what the auction house describes as “some of the greatest vintages in the estate’s history”, spanning over a century of Château Lafite Rothschild’s winemaking legacy.
The catalogue includes rare and historical bottles from the pre-phylloxera 1870 vintage through to post-war masterpieces such as 1945, 1949, and the iconic 1982—each representing a benchmark in the evolution of Bordeaux fine wine.
Among the most prestigious lots:
- Three lots of six bottles of Château Lafite 1945, each estimated between EUR 60,000 and EUR 90,000.
- A magnum of Château Lafite 1895, estimated between EUR 48,000 and EUR 65,000.
- A bottle of Château Lafite 1870, valued between EUR 45,000 and EUR 60,000.
These vintages are considered not only collectors’ treasures but also historical artefacts, representing the craftsmanship and endurance of one of Bordeaux’s most emblematic châteaux.
Christie's: Celebrating 200 Years of Domaine Faiveley
Running in parallel, Christie’s will open an online-only auction titled “Domaine Faiveley: The 200-Year Jubilee Celebration”, honouring two centuries since the estate’s founding in 1825 by Pierre Faiveley. Today, the domaine encompasses 120 hectares, including 12 Grand Crus and 22 Premier Crus across Burgundy’s most esteemed terroirs.
The sale includes a selection of exclusive large formats and rare vintages, highlighting the estate’s modern craftsmanship and commitment to Burgundy’s heritage.
Key lots include:
- 3 litres of Musigny 2025, estimated between GBP 12,000 (EUR 13,680) and GBP 18,000 (EUR 20,520).
- 15 litres of Corton-Charlemagne 2025, estimated between GBP 8,500 (EUR 9,690) and GBP 11,000 (EUR 12,540).
- 6 litres of Chambertin-Clos de Bèze “Les Ouvrées Rodin” 2025.
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A mixed lot of ten magnums from the 2025 vintage, featuring some of Burgundy’s most revered appellations:
Chambertin-Clos de Bèze, Latricières-Chambertin, Mazis-Chambertin, Echézeaux en Orveaux, Clos de Vougeot, Musigny, Corton Clos des Cortons Faiveley, Corton-Charlemagne, Bâtard-Montrachet, and Bienvenues-Bâtard-Montrachet.
For collectors seeking historical depth, a bottle of Musigny 1908—one of the oldest wines ever released by the estate—is expected to fetch between GBP 7,500 and GBP 9,500.
Two Auctions, One Legacy of French Excellence
While Sotheby’s celebrates the timeless prestige of Bordeaux through Château Lafite’s unparalleled heritage, Christie’s pays tribute to Burgundy’s enduring craftsmanship through Domaine Faiveley’s bicentenary.
Together, these events highlight the continuing global demand for French fine wines, where provenance, rarity, and historical significance converge to define value.
Both sales are expected to attract international collectors, investment buyers, and fine-wine institutions eager to secure bottles that embody not only the best of French viticulture but also centuries of cultural legacy.
Source: WineNews