London is set to host three extraordinary wine and spirit auctions this June, presented by Christie’s Wine & Spirits department.
These landmark events will captivate enthusiasts and collectors alike, offering a remarkable selection of the finest and rarest wines and spirits. With a range of exceptional lots and prestigious collections, these auctions are poised to redefine the realm of luxury libations. Let’s delve into the details of these highly anticipated events.
The Finest and Rarest Wines and Spirits Live Auction
Taking place from the 6th to the 7th of June, the live auction of The Finest and Rarest Wines and Spirits will span two captivating days. Prepare to be immersed in a world of opulent wines and spirits, including sought-after gems from renowned vineyards and distilleries.

Estimate: £15,000-20,000
The Two Continents Collection: The Private Spirits Collection of Irwin Kotovsky Part III
Highlights of the Live Auction
The auction will showcase an exquisite assortment of prestigious wines, featuring noteworthy selections such as the 1999 Chambertin, Clos de Bèze, with two magnums available from the esteemed Domaine Armand Rousseau (estimated value: £14,000 – £18,000).
Additionally, wine enthusiasts can anticipate the presence of the 2009 Musigny from Domaine Jadot, offering a lot of twelve bottles (estimated value: £6,000-£8,500). A standout lot within the sale is an 1883 bottle of Smith’s Glenlivet whisky, a true rarity that Christie’s has not seen for many years (estimated value: £30,000-£40,000).
Other notable lots include a magnum of Vosne Romanée, Cros Parantoux 1978 from the iconic Domaine Henri Jayer (estimated value: £60,000-£80,000), and the esteemed La Tâche 1999 wine from the exceptional Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, presented in lots of six bottles each (estimated value: £30,000-£40,000).

Moreover, the auction will offer the remarkable Milestone Collection from Viñedo Chadwick, comprising three magnums that are expected to fetch £3,000-£4,200.
The Two Continents Collection – The Private Cellar of Irwin Kotovsky Part II
Running online from 8th to 21st June, The Two Continents Collection – The Private Cellar of Irwin Kotovsky Part II promises a treasure trove of over 600 lots. This collection represents the lifelong passion of Mr Kotovsky, an avid collector who curated a spectacular cellar over the years.
Gems within the Private Cellar Collection
This auction boasts an exceptional assortment of mature Bordeaux, including multiple cases of first growths from the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. Notable offerings include six bottles of Cos d’Estournel 1955 (estimated value: £1,800-£2,400) and six bottles of Malaga Vino Dulce Trasanejo 1800 (estimated value: £3,000-£4,200). Additionally, wine enthusiasts can explore multiple cases of 1982 vintage Château La Lagune, a personal favourite of Irwin Kotovsky (estimated value: £600-£850).

The Two Continents Collection: The Private Cellar of Irwin Kotovsky, Part II
The auction also showcases prestigious champagnes, including the rarely seen 1955 vintage from the renowned Clos de Goisses vineyard (estimated value: £2,000-£3,000), as well as the exquisite Krug 1988 Champagne, presented in lots of three bottles each (estimated value: £1,800-£2,400).
Connoisseurs of Sauternes will be thrilled to find the exceptionally rare 1955 vintage Château d’Yquem (estimated value: £500-£700), along with remarkable vintages of Châteaux Climens and Suduiraut from the 1930s. The auction further delights with an extensive collection of exceptional white Burgundy, including offerings from the renowned Domaine Leflaive, with lots containing six bottles each (estimated value: £6,000-£8,000). Rare vintages of Chevalier Montrachet are also available in lots of six bottles each (estimated value: £6,000-£8,000).
The Two Continents Collection: The Private Spirits Collection of Irwin Kotovsky Part III
To conclude the series of Irwin Kotovsky auctions, Christie’s presents The Two Continents Collection: The Private Spirits Collection of Irwin Kotovsky Part III. This online auction, running from 8th to 22nd June, unveils an extraordinary assembly of rare spirits that will undoubtedly captivate discerning collectors.
Unforgettable Spirits within the Collection

The Two Continents Collection: The Private Spirits Collection of Irwin Kotovsky Part III
The breadth of this collection is awe-inspiring, encompassing exceptional spirits from various corners of the globe. Noteworthy highlights include the superb Black Bowmore Single Malt Scotch whisky distilled in 1964 (estimated value: £15,000-£20,000), rare Armagnac such as the Laberdolive 1946 (estimated value: £500-£700), and a notable 1900 vintage Lheraud Grande Champagne cognac (estimated value: £1,000-£1,500). Another standout is the 1929 vintage J. Bally Rhum Vieux Agricole (estimated value: £1,000-£1,500).
An exceptional offering within the auction is one of the largest private collections of Chartreuse ever to grace Christie’s. This extraordinary selection presents rare bottles from each decade of the 20th century, including French bottlings and the incredibly rare Tarragona bottlings of Yellow and Green Chartreuse.

Collectors now have a rare opportunity to acquire bottles of this inimitable liqueur, including Chartreuse Jaune Tarragone 1904-1930 (estimated value: £3,000-£4,000).
Enthusiastic Anticipation for the Auctions
Noah May, the Head of Christie’s Wine & Spirits Department, expresses his excitement for these auctions, affirming that collectors will be offered an extraordinary variety of highly desirable wines and spirits.
Building upon the success of the recent Part I sale in Los Angeles, where the sell-through rates reached impressive heights, Christie’s aims to conclude the sale of the superb single-owner collection of Irwin Kotovsky in London with parts II and III. These auctions promise an enthralling and remarkable selection that will undoubtedly attract global attention.

Conclusion
As wine and spirits enthusiasts eagerly await the arrival of June, the anticipation for these three landmark auctions in London reaches a crescendo. Christie’s Wine & Spirits department has curated an exceptional range of offerings, ensuring an unforgettable experience for collectors and connoisseurs alike.
Whether it’s the prestigious wines of The Finest and Rarest Wines and Spirits live auction, the magnificent Private Cellar of Irwin Kotovsky collection in Part II, or the extraordinary spirits in Part III, these auctions are poised to leave an indelible mark on the world of luxury libations. Prepare to be enthralled as London becomes the epicentre of unrivalled vinous and spirited allure.
Images: Christie’s