Ultra-Rare 1870 Wine from Brush Creek Ranch: Expected to Fetch Over $50K at Auction

The sommelier at Brush Creek Ranch, a luxury resort in Wyoming, predicts that two bottles of ultra-rare 1870 Chateau Lafite will fetch over $50,000 each at an upcoming Sotheby’s auction. Discovered in Glamis Castle, Scotland, these magnums of wine are regarded as nearly impossible to find. Sydney Werry, the ranch’s wine director, describes this particular wine as being in a category of "never-to-be-seen-again," generating excitement among wine enthusiasts and collectors.

The estimated auction price has sparked considerable interest, with Werry believing the actual sale price might surpass expectations due to the wine’s immense rarity. Glamis Castle, known not only for its historic significance but also for being one of Scotland’s most haunted sites, has its own storied past with these wines. Originally purchased by the 13th Earl of Strathmore in 1878, the bottles remained forgotten for decades until rediscovered in 1971.

Werry, who has an extensive collection of Chateau Lafite wines ranging from 1981 to 2018, notes that every Lafite she has tasted carries a distinct power and complexity. Flavors evoke rich imagery, with tasting notes capturing not just fruits but unique nuances such as floral notes and baking spices.

Wine auctions are typically lively events, far removed from the prim and proper image often associated with art auctions. Participants taste wines from lots, creating a vibrant atmosphere that can influence bidding. Werry speculates that the combination of the wine’s legendary status and the spirited environment of the auction may lead these bottles to achieve extraordinary prices.

The rarity of the 1870 Chateau Lafite stems not only from its age but also because it is a pre-phylloxera vintage, which holds historical significance as it predates the devastation wrought by the phylloxera bug on European vineyards. This aspect, along with Chateau Lafite’s classification as a premier wine in 1855, contributes to its allure in the wine market.

While Brush Creek Ranch is always on the lookout for exceptional wines, Werry mentions that they may not participate in this auction, as their current collection is robust. Instead, they focus on acquiring diverse selections to cater to varying tastes, with prices spanning from $40 to over $35,000 per bottle. The excitement surrounding the auction highlights the deeper narrative woven into the world of vintage wines, representing history, tradition, and the passion of wine enthusiasts.

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!