Toasting a New Collection
Wines with integrity—that’s the philosophy at the heart of the new Sotheby’s Own Label Collection. Sotheby’s specialists have sought to celebrate the truest expressions of some of the world’s most famed appellations, creating a go-to range that is sure to—as Jamie Ritchie, chairman of Sotheby’s Wine, puts it—“give a lot of pleasure.” “They are made for buying by the case and for always being on hand to be served, whoever stops by,” he adds.
It’s a collection characterized by attention to detail—from the carefully chosen, respected producers with whom Sotheby’s has longstanding relationships, to the label designs and “lot numbers” that both reference Sotheby’s heritage as an auction house and unique aspects of the winemakers’ own stories. With 13 to choose from (and more on the way), available as a mixed case, half case, or full case, and including sparkling wines, reds, whites, and one rosé, there’s a bottle for every occasion.
Available at SothebysWine.com or in the Sotheby’s Wine shop on York Avenue in New York.
2018 Sotheby’s Sonoma County Chardonnay, $24.95
Producer: Lioco
Lot 006: Named Lot 006 because Lioco’s first vintage of Sonoma County Chardonnay was 2006.
Matt and Sara Licklider and their team make subtle Chardonnays that combine the ripeness of Californian fruit with greater minerality and brisk acidity. We’ve been carrying Lioco’s wines in our store for many years and this is exactly the kind of balanced California wine we admire.
2018 Sotheby’s Sancerre Rosé, $22.95
Producer: André Dézat & Fils
Lot 959: Named Lot 959 because the Dézat family has been making Sancerre Rosé since 1959.
The Dézat family has a history of winemaking in Sancerre that dates back to the 16th century and they own one of the most respected estates in the region. Firmin Dézat is now at the helm and makes a crisp, dry, and eminently refreshing rosé with excellent minerality and subtle fruit.
NV Sotheby’s Champagne: Blanc de Blancs, Grand Cru, $36.95 (bottle) or $79.95 (magnum)
Winemaker Julien Barbier of the Legras family makes our best-selling wine from 100% Grand Cru vineyards in Chouilly, and supplies the house Champagne for a number of three-Michelin-star restaurants. We first tasted it in the Sotheby’s boardroom in 1991 and are proud to serve it at our events.
2016 Sotheby’s Bourgogne Rouge, $36.95
Producer: Françoise et Denis Clair
Lot 986: Named Lot 986 because the Domaine was founded in 1986.
A fragrant Burgundy with a lightness of touch, but plenty of depth of character. It is produced by the Clair family, who has a record of producing terroir-driven wines. This Bourgogne Rouge is made from Jean-Baptiste Clair’s Premier Cru Beaurepaire vineyard in Santenay.
2017 Sotheby’s Pessac-LÉognan, $24.95
Producer: Château Haut-Bailly
Lot 998: Named Lot 998 because Robert Wilmers acquired Château Haut-Bailly in 1998.
Our friends at Haut-Bailly make luscious, rich, and approachable wines in Pessac-Léognan. The talented Veronique Sanders has managed the property for the Wilmers family for more than 20 years.
2017 Sotheby’s St. Emilion, $34.95
Producer: Château Corbin
Lot 999: Named Lot 999 because Annabelle Cruse Bardinet first arrived at the Château in 1999.
Annabelle Cruse Bardinet comes from a long line of winemakers and has pushed the quality of Château Corbin to the next level. She creates structured, balanced St. Emilions with generous expressions of fruit. Her wines are particularly food-friendly, soft, easygoing, and good value.