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Bhutan Wine: The Historical First Vintage

Wine

A new and historic chapter in the world of wine is about to be written: Bhutan Wine Company is pioneering an extraordinary journey of bringing to life Bhutan's first vineyards and unveiling its first ever vintage. Bonhams is privileged to represent this historic moment and offer a limited release to the public in a No Reserve Auction, "Bhutan Wine: The Historical First Vintage". Founded by Mike Juergens and Ann Cross, Bhutan Wine Company was born from an inspired vision: to cultivate world-class wine in a land that had never before planted a single vineyard. Their journey began in 2017 after a fateful visit to Bhutan where they saw immense potential in its pristine soils, high-altitude vineyards, and unspoiled air. With the partnership of two Bhutanese, Yab Dhondup Gyaltshen and Karma Choeda, along with the blessing of Bhutan's government and the expertise of global viticultural specialists &#8211; winemaker Matt Brain and viticultural consultant Russell Moss - they set forth on a mission to craft wines that would not only honour the land but introduce the world to the remarkable terroirs of the region.The vineyards are planted across nine diverse sites, ranging from 500 feet to over 9,000 feet in altitude, creating a mosaic of various microclimates. Moreover, Bhutan's entire approach to agriculture and development champions sustainability: the country is famously the first carbon-negative in the world, and its push towards organic farming means these vineyards are cultivated with a deep respect for the land, resulting in a terroir unlike any other.The debut vintage of Ser Kem, meaning 'alcoholic gift to the gods', marks the first-ever Bhutanese terroir wine, with a blend of every red and white grape varietal and vineyard that was harvested during the inaugural 2023 viticultural season commemoratively created into a single, harmonious cuv&#233;e. This passion project bears witness to a birth in winemaking not witnessed in over 200 years.To celebrate this momentous debut, Bonhams is honoured to present an array of exceptional lots in collectible formats and experiences, each offering rare and tangible connections to this historic endeavour. Highlights include a monumental 7.57L bottle, 'The Himalayan', paying tribute to Bhutan's Gangkhar Puensum mountain, the highest unclimbed mountain in the world standing at 7,570 metres high. Additionally, certain lots include an invitation to Bhutan to visit the winery and a private Ser Kem tasting with senior members of Bhutan Wine Company.Speaking of her experience in Bhutan, Jancis Robinson MW, British wine critic and member of BWC's advisory board, said: "Having arrived in Bhutan just in time for the second grape harvest, I visited four of the company's young vineyards... Most were extremely difficult to access but the Bhutanese looking after them were clearly devoted to, and proud of, the vines in their charge." Robinson went on to say: "The greatest thrill for me was tasting the first few wines which really do show great promise, with pure varietal flavours and excellent balance."This is a rare and never to be repeated opportunity to be part of history in the making - and to take home a piece of Bhutan, in spirit and glorious substance. Join us in celebrating this unprecedented venture

Wines of Distinction: Classic and Collectible

Bonhams presents Wines of Distinction: Classic and Collectible, an exquisite selection that spans the world's most coveted terroirs, bringing together the finest wines from legendary estates and emerging stars. This is a robust opportunity to explore wines of rarity, quality, and delightful quaffability, each poised to elevate any cellar and delight the palate.Our journey begins in the heart of Burgundy, on the celebrated hillsides of the Cote de Nuits. Among the treasures are wines from the late Henri Jayer, a name synonymous with mastery and precision, Jayer remains one of the most influential winemakers in history, whose vision and approach continue to influence modern winemaking today. Rare bottles from the vineyards of Cros Parantoux and Beaux Monts in 1985 are some of the most sought-after bottles in the world, effortlessly capturing the soul of Burgundy &#8211; expressive, vibrant, and unforgettable. Other notable selections include Armand Rousseau, M&#233;o-Camuzet, and Dujac, estates beloved for their continued commitment to quality and breathtaking beauty.The auction then heads to Bordeaux, where an outstanding collection of first growths stands proud. Bottles from Ch&#226;teau Mouton Rothschild, Ch&#226;teau Lafite Rothschild, and Ch&#226;teau Latour, shine in iconic vintages from the last half century - 1982, 1990, 2000 and 2009 - offering unparalleled pedigree and a glimpse into the storied history of Bordeaux's finest vineyards. For collectors seeking both investment potential and drinking pleasure, there are also recent offerings from P&#233;trus and Ch&#226;teau Cheval Blanc, with impeccable provenance and conditions for long-term cellaring.We also proudly present California's finest with an impressive selection from cult producers such as Dominus Estate, Harlan Estate and Opus One. These producers are pillars in the history of Napa Valley wine-making, embodying the region's homage to the traditions of Bordeaux while spotlighting California's unique terroir. Alongside these classics are the next generation of winemakers shaping Napa's future such as Dark Matter, a hedonistic Cabernet project founded by the four Mondavi Sisters, and Saxum, a dynamic winery owned by Heather and Jason Smith making waves in Paso Robles.This auction invites you to explore the richness and diversity of the world's greatest wine regions across generations. Whether you seek the timeless elegance of classics or the bold innovation of the future, Wines of Distinction offers the chance to secure rare treasures that will enrich your cellar for years to come.

Curated Spirits: The Connoisseur Collections

The act of curation allows a collector to connect with items capable of capturing emotions. Through storytelling, it evokes a profound appreciation for craftsmanship and culture. This process, often driven by personal interest and curiosity, transforms what might initially be a hobby into a life-defining journey. Curated Spirits: The Connoisseur Collections is an anthology compiled by those compelled to experience, explore, and taste history through the bottle. Bidding will open April 17th at noon and will end April 29th on a rolling close of 30 second intervals starting at 7pm ET // 12am GMT // 1am CET //8am HKT. A remarkable vertical consisting of one bottle of each of the first 13 Editions of Parker's Heritage Collection opens the auction. This exceptional lot is being offered without reserve. In 2007, Heaven's Hill introduced the Parker's Heritage Collection at the direction of Parker Beam, industry innovator behind brands like Elijah Craig and Evan Williams. Where this label differs from other annual releases is each year welcomes an entirely unique expression. One that not only stands apart through varied age statements, and diverse mash bills, but also by experimental finishes such as Curacao barrels. In 2013, Parker publicly revealed his diagnosis of ALS along with his intent to raise awareness and funds to combat the disease. Starting with that year's release, the "Promise of Hope", a portion of proceeds are donated to ALS research and patient care. Parker Beam passed away in 2017, but his legacy lives on through each expression and the positive change he helped establish. No gallery is complete without a showpiece. The Dalmore 45 is truly a work of art from the Highlands distillery, and their ultimate age statement. Matured in American white oak ex-bourbon casks and finished in Port pipes it was released in 2018 as one of 500 decanters. The baccarat decanter is enclosed in a fittingly luxurious presentation case. The whisky inside holds up the promise of Dalmore which boasts an unparalleled skill in cask selection necessary to nurture its exceptional distillate. Through research, persistence, and time, the collector's knowledge will surely deepen. The interconnectedness of the American Whiskey industry through the last century can be a rabbit hole, and diving into its history of bottlers, distilleries, and their master blenders is an inevitability for any interested enthusiast. A wide range of mysterious labels inserted themselves into the market in the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s. Many received high praise from consumers, and their limited availability led to an all-out panic by aficionados to bolster their bar shelves. Blak Maple Hill was one of the most elusive of these labels. A straightforward label of a vague forest and handwritten age statements hide the luxurious spirit within. The maestros of bottling, the Kulsveen family, sourced liquid from just about every facility in Kentucky besides their own during this period. This batch in particular was distilled and bottled by none other than Julian Van Winkle III. The 23 Year Rye, the rarest of the Black Maple Hills from this era, is marked by a silver wax top. No stranger to collaboration, Julian also had his hand in the equally prestigious limited release: A. H. Hirsch Reserve. Along with Gordon Hue they worked to bottle and store old stock from the closed Pennsylvania distillery, Pennco. This sale offers an unfathomable variety of the highly sought-after limited release. A Gold Foil, Black Wax, Red Wax, and Blue Wax decorate this section of the sale with the whiskey referred to as "the best bourbon you'll never taste". The result of collecting is ideally a catalogue that speaks to the individual's personal taste, growth, and passion. This listing goes on to showcase the wide world of exceptional spirits with a breadth of available bottles that is simply stunning. The offering showcases Pre-Prohibition whiskies, unearthed independent bottlings of the world's greatest single malts, top expressions from Japan, collectable rum and mezcal. Unlimited opportunities for the newcomer to explore, discover, and learn or for the connoisseur to add trophies to an already accomplished selection.

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