A Timeless Vintage: The Piatigorsky Collection’s Breathtaking Auction At Zachys

### A Timeless Vintage: The Piatigorsky Collection’s Breathtaking Auction at Zachys

In the hallowed halls of fine wine auctions, a rare and extraordinary event transpired recently, underlining the enduring allure of 19th-century Bordeaux. The auction house Zachys, renowned for its meticulous curation and impeccable provenance, orchestrated a sale that not only shattered records but also captivated the hearts of collectors worldwide. This was no ordinary auction; it was the offering of the Jacqueline (de Rothschild) Piatigorsky Collection, a treasure trove of wines dating back to the late 1800s, held by a direct descendant of the Rothschild family that owns Château Lafite.

A Legacy Unearthed

The collection, which had been meticulously stored in the Médoc since its acquisition, was a testament to the enduring legacy of the Rothschild family. Each bottle told a story of opulence and craftsmanship, harkening back to an era when wine was more than just a beverage—it was a symbol of prestige and refinement. The auction’s success, achieving a staggering $11.16 million (approximately £8.3 million), far exceeded pre-sale estimates, signaling a resurgence in the fine wine market.

The Opening Salvo: Records Set

Among the highlights was a magnum of Château Lafite Rothschild 1870, which sold for an astounding $387,500, including buyer’s premium.

The auction kicked off with a series of world records set by the opening 35 lots. This was a clear indication that collectors were more than willing to invest in these historic vintages. Among the highlights was a magnum of Château Lafite Rothschild 1870, which sold for an astounding $387,500, including buyer’s premium. This price not only eclipsed the pre-sale high estimate of $75,000 but also set a new auction record for this format.

The Pinnacle of Perfection

The 1870 vintage of Château Lafite Rothschild is often regarded as one of the finest wines ever produced. Michael Broadbent, the late Decanter columnist and a respected fine wine expert, tasted the wine from a magnum in 1971 and described it as “perfection.” His assessment, paired with the recommendation that it would pair beautifully with lamb, has only added to its legendary status.

A Symphony of Bottles

Among these was a double magnum (three liters) of Lafite Rothschild 1878, which fetched $312,500 against a high estimate of $40,000.

The auction featured 177 lots of Lafite wines, including 498 bottles and large formats, which collectively sold for $6.49 million. Among these was a double magnum (three liters) of Lafite Rothschild 1878, which fetched $312,500 against a high estimate of $40,000. Several magnums from the 1869 vintage also made an appearance, with one lot selling for $231,250, well above its pre-sale high estimate of $30,000.

Beyond Lafite: Diverse Treasures

The auction’s allure extended beyond the storied bottles of Château Lafite. A three-bottle lot of Château Haut-Brion 1899, recorked in 2025, sold for $106,250, surpassing its high estimate of $18,000. Similarly, a six-bottle lot of Château Giscours 1875, recorked in 2006, achieved the same price despite carrying a pre-sale high estimate of just $6,000.

A Personal Triumph

“At every step in the process, from the time I first saw the inventory on paper, decades ago, to inspection of the bottles in Pauillac with my colleagues earlier this year, we knew we were making wine-auction history,” he reflected.

For Charles Antin, Zachys’ global head of wine auctions, this auction represented more than just a financial success. It was a pinnacle moment in his career. “At every step in the process, from the time I first saw the inventory on paper, decades ago, to inspection of the bottles in Pauillac with my colleagues earlier this year, we knew we were making wine-auction history,” he reflected. The auction’s success was a testament to the meticulous curation and the unmatched provenance of the collection.

A Continuation of Legacy

Zachys CEO Eileen Rizzo praised the auction house’s longstanding relationship with Château Lafite Rothschild, highlighting their previous collaboration in 2019 when they offered wines directly from the estate’s cellars. This ongoing partnership underscores the trust and respect that Zachys has earned in the fine wine community.

A New Chapter

Sourced directly from the Napa Valley winery’s owner, the Novak family, the collection spanned every vintage from 1982 to 2021 and sold for $32,500, including buyer’s premium.

In a related note, Christie’s also made waves in the US auction market by selling a one-of-a-kind, 40-vintage collection of Spottswoode Estate Cabernet Sauvignon wines. Sourced directly from the Napa Valley winery’s owner, the Novak family, the collection spanned every vintage from 1982 to 2021 and sold for $32,500, including buyer’s premium. The proceeds will be donated by the Novak family to the non-profit group Napa Green, further cementing their commitment to sustainable practices.

Conclusion

The auction of the Jacqueline (de Rothschild) Piatigorsky Collection at Zachys is a testament to the enduring legacy of 19th-century Bordeaux and the timeless appeal of these historic vintages. As collectors continue to seek out rare and exceptional wines, this auction serves as a reminder that the world of fine wine remains a realm where history, craftsmanship, and passion converge in a symphony of flavors.

Questions & Answers

What was the significance of the Jacqueline (de Rothschild) Piatigorsky Collection auction?

The Jacqueline (de Rothschild) Piatigorsky Collection auction, held by Zachys, was a landmark event in the world of fine wine auctions. This collection, comprising 19th-century Bordeaux wines dating back to the late 1800s, was not only a rare find but also a direct link to the prestigious Rothschild family and their ownership of Château Lafite. The auction achieved an astounding $11.16 million, highlighting the enduring value and appeal of historic vintages. Each bottle in the collection represented more than just a vintage; it symbolized a legacy of craftsmanship and opulence, making this auction a significant moment for wine enthusiasts and collectors worldwide.

How did the provenance of the wines in the Piatigorsky Collection contribute to their value?

The provenance of the wines in the Jacqueline (de Rothschild) Piatigorsky Collection played a crucial role in enhancing their value. These bottles were meticulously stored in the Médoc since their acquisition, ensuring they remained in optimal condition over the decades. Being held by a direct descendant of the Rothschild family, which owns Château Lafite, added an unparalleled layer of authenticity and prestige. This impeccable provenance not only guaranteed the wines’ quality but also connected them to one of the most storied families in wine history, making each bottle a tangible piece of heritage that collectors were eager to acquire.

What made the Zachys auction of the Piatigorsky Collection unique compared to other fine wine auctions?

The Zachys auction of the Jacqueline (de Rothschild) Piatigorsky Collection stood out from other fine wine auctions due to several unique factors. First, it featured an extraordinary collection of 19th-century Bordeaux wines, which are exceedingly rare and highly sought after by collectors. Second, the provenance of these wines was impeccable, as they were owned by a direct descendant of the Rothschild family, adding historical significance and trust in their authenticity. Additionally, Zachys’ reputation for meticulous curation and rigorous authentication processes ensured that bidders could have confidence in the quality and origin of each bottle. The auction’s success, achieving over $11 million, underscored its uniqueness and the enduring appeal of historic vintages to a global audience of wine enthusiasts.