Christie’s Exclusive Auction: Rare Wines Including Smith-Haut-Lafitte Made for King Charles III

Wine enthusiasts across the globe have the opportunity to participate in an online auction from June 7 to June 20, featuring an exquisite selection of rare Vintage Port, Bordeaux, Burgundy, and other fine wines. This auction is being hosted by Christie’s in London and presents a unique opportunity for collectors to acquire wines with significant historical and royal connections.

Among the highlight offerings at the auction is a collection of Cuvée Charles III, an exclusive red Bordeaux blend created by Château Smith-Haut-Lafitte located in Pessac-Léognan. This special cuvée commemorates the visit of King Charles III and Queen Camilla to the estate in autumn 2023. Renowned for his appreciation of fine wines, several remarkable wines have been dedicated to King Charles III for various celebratory occasions such as his birthday and coronation. All the proceeds from the sale of these six bottles will benefit The King’s Trust Group, an organization initiated by Charles over forty years ago to aid young people worldwide.

The auction also features a premier selection of Vintage Port from the historic cellars of Raby Castle, a 14th-century fortress situated in County Durham. The collection includes exceptional vintages from notable houses like Dow (1924, 1926, 1927), Fonseca (1934), Cockburn (1950), and Taylor Fladgate (1948). These wines, acquired by the ancestors of the current Lord Barnard and perfectly preserved in the castle’s cellars, represent a rich tapestry of viticulture history. Further treasures from Raby Castle’s cellars are slated for future auctions, with this event marking a particularly momentous occasion according to Christie’s.

The auction, which includes over 750 lots, also highlights a private collection with some of the most coveted wines globally. If your collection lacks Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Pétrus or Bordeaux first-growths, this is an ideal opportunity to enhance your reserves. Additional attractions include aged bottles of R. López de Heredia Viña Tondonia in both red and white varieties, and rare Madeira from as early as 1845. Happy bidding!

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About the Author: Chris Lehoux

Meet Chris Lehoux, an experienced wine connoisseur and dedicated blogger with a deep passion for all things wine-related. With years of expertise in the industry, Chris shares insightful wine reviews, valuable wine tasting tips, expert pairing advice, and captivating tales of vineyard visits. Join Chris on a journey through the world of wine, where every sip is an adventure waiting to be savored!