Lovers of fine Cognac are in for a real treat this September, for an exceptional selection of rare and vintage Cognac is to be auctioned at Bonhams. One of the highlights, and the item we, here, at CDClifestyle are particularly excited about, is an exclusive bottle of Rémy Martin Louis XIII Black Pearl Cognac bottled in a special limited edition black crystal decanter, estimated to fetch a price of between £5,000 – £7,000.
The unusual Cognac comes with a particularly unique tale. Originally starting its life at sea in an on-board shopping mall, the bottle was eventually purchased by an experienced South African bar manager, who trained as a sommelier. Spotting the bottle while cruising across the Mediterranean, the sommelier recognised its importance and rarity, and sent it from Greece to South Africa for safe-keeping. Thus, after several years travelling the world on a luxury cruise liner, the bottle of Black Pearl will end its Voyage at auction, on New Bond Street. The Cognac, a Louis XIII de Rémy Martin, is made using a special blend of 1200 eaux de vie which is aged in ancient oak barrels. It is produced from grapes grown in the Grande Champagne territory, at the innermost heart of the Cognac region. Despite all Louis XIII Cognac is bottled in Baccarat crystal decanters, only 800 bottles of Black Pearl are released each year and very few come onto the open market. The distinctive bottle is made from black crystal that has a silvery gleam and is accompanied by a stopper with a fleur-de-lys design.
Other exceptional Cognacs in the auction are two bottles over 200 years old. A bottle of Pierre Ferrand Cognac, Réserve Marie Domain, from 1806 is estimated at £1,800 – £2,200, and is presented in a wooden box with a humidifier and hygrometer. A bottle of Napoleon Grande Fine Champagne Cognac is estimated at £1,000 – £1,500.
Richard Harvey, International Director of Bonhams Wine department states, “The selection of Cognac we have in this sale is a feast for the senses. Black Pearl is a highly sought after de-luxe Cognac and it is incredibly rare to see something like this come up at auction. With the Cognac market increasingly buoyant it is a pleasure to be offering rare bottles with interesting provenance and presentation”.
The auction will take place on September 17th at Bonhams on New Bond Street.
