Skinner Auctioneers - Wine Auctions
Skinner Auction House has started a new venture in Boston, Massachusetts as the first and sole auction house in New England to offer wine at auction and I was lucky enough to attend the champagne celebration on September 12th to sample some of wonderful wines.
Their first auction was Friday, September 14, 2007 held at at their Boston gallery located at 63 Park Plaza, Boston, MA. with a second auction being planned for the Spring of 2008.
Some of the wines included were 350 bottles from the private cellar of the owners of the former Maison Robert restaurant. About 1,100 wines (about 200 lots), will be put up on the auction block.
True collectors bid on the 1996 Coche Dury Corton Charlemagne, a 2001 Domaine de la Romancee Conti, Montrachet, some 2000 and 2002 Harlan, and some 90's verticals of Harlan and Araujo, as well as six-bottle cases of Opus One, along with many other incredible finds.
To find out what these wines sold for, you can check out their web site.
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Skinner Auctioneers, one of the nation’s leading auction houses for antiques and fine art, will now offer fine wines at auction in its Boston gallery. This new specialty department makes Skinner a convenient venue for the consignment and purchase of fine wine, and the sole auction house in New England to offer wine at auction.
New Englands premier wine auctioneer!
Image #1
Chateau Latour 1970
Pauillac, 1er Cru Classe
u. two into neck, seven bottom neck, three very top shoulder
12 bottles (owc)
Estimate: $3,900-5,100
Image #2
Chateau Mouton Rothschild 1982
Pauillac, 1er Cru Classe
Very good levels, one slight capsule nick
9 bottles (owc, missing lid)
Estimate: $6,000-9,000
Image #3
Cote Rotie Brune et Blonde 1985
Guigal
Rhone
Excellent levels and appearance
5 bottles
Estimate: $200-300
During the three flight tasting, I was able to enjoy a few of the samples that would be up for auction as well as some of the wines that were there for our enjoyment. My tasting notes are very limited and a little challenging to read since I was walking around chatting while writing on a small piece of paper. "Note to self... larger paper... less chatting... better notes!"
Lafite 1997 -
Opus One 1994 - Light rusty/ruby red in color, hint of strawberry jam with a medium finish
Mouton 1970 - Rust in color, cloudy due to the sediment (I got the last pour), dry, balanced, and just a little chewy at the finish
Dow's 1985 - This vintage port was very pleasing to me. Not overly sweet and smooth on the palate
Opus One 2002 - Light ruby color, semi opaque, light raspberry notes, light tannins, wonderful finish
Opus One 1991 - Brick red in color, clear, wonderfully balanced
Domaine Caillot - Les Herbeaux 2004 - This white burgundy was a real treat. Clear, smoky scent with a pear flavor, light finish, light tannins. $35 - $40
Talbott 1998 Case Pinot Noir - Beautiful clear garnet color, hint of strawberry jam, a little strong on the nose with alcohol (wondering if this was a pop and pour) and on the palate. Still, very enjoyable! $35 - $45.
The champagne for the evening was from Louis Roederer - Louis Roederer is one of the largest remaining independent Champagne houses, owned by the same family since 1776. While asking for a little bit of champagne to cleanse and refresh my palate, a gentleman next to me said with a smile "I'll have a lot a bit!" Smart man!
A few cheeses were also available.
I would highly recommend the Conte' Le Fort - Aged 16 - 24 months. This wonderful cheese had a light crystalline texture with a fruity flavor and hints of fennel and sweet onion.
View some photos of the event below
