More French Wine-ing

2015 sees us living in an age when a great bottle of wine can come from just about anywhere. New Zealand Chardonnays, Argentinian Malbecs, Spanish Riojas… it seems these days that the expertise that goes into concocting a superior drop has a very dog-eared passport.

Still, for most people, French wines remain the benchmark for excellence. The place people look when they want something a little special. Good thing then, that Skinner is holding its Fine Wine sale on Wednesday, March 3, at 6:00pm. Whether it’s a case you’re after or individual bottles, Skinner is auctioning off choice offerings from many of the most esteemed French vineyards.

What better place to start than 10 bottles of the Chateau Mouton Rothschild 2000. This exquisitely packaged wine comes from the vineyard established in 1853 by Baron Nathaniel de Rothschild. 2000 was a great year for the wine, surpassed only by the 2009 & 2006, making this an infinitely collectable vintage. Described as a rich, tannic, earthy style, with loads of creme de cassis and floral notes.

Collectors are sure to take a serious look at, the case of Chateau Margaux 1996. Described as the quintessential Chateau Margaux, the 1996 vintage combines measured power, extraordinary elegance, and admirable complexity. Chateau Margaux has sought excellence with its wines for over 400 years now, and is known for commitment to innovation and an intimate connection to its soil.

The wines of the famous Domaine de la Romanée-Conti are always in hot demand, so spirited bidding is to be expected on Lot 140, 12 bottles of their Romanée St. Vivant 1996. Declared in 1780 by the Archbishop of Paris as "velvet and satin in bottles," DRC remains among the most expensive wine in the world. A great investment then, if you can resist the urge to imbibe. Good luck!