A Baccarat decanter featuring a remarkable 72-year-old Cognac from Maison Martell will be up for auction during Christie’s online sale set for November 22 to December 6.
This extraordinary offering is among a selection of fine wines and spirits, including numerous lots from the cellars of Raby Castle. The Cognac is a unique Grande Champagne variety, produced as a single eau-de-vie from a single cru. It comes in a custom-designed crystal decanter created by a 16-member Baccarat team, which includes several artisans recognized as ‘Meilleurs Ouvriers de France’.
The decanter’s elegant design showcases hand-painted vine leaf motifs in gold and enamel, capped with a crystal stopper engraved with Martell’s coat of arms. The piece is housed in a handcrafted wooden box adorned with marquetry of grapevines in gold.
Christie’s International Director of Wines & Spirits, Tim Triptree MW, expressed excitement over presenting this unique Martell offering. He emphasized the house’s unparalleled legacy and indicated that the successful bidder will be treated to an exclusive experience at Maison Martell, including a tasting masterclass with cellar master Christophe Valtaud and a gastronomic dinner crafted by three-star Michelin chef Alexandre Mazzia, along with a stay at the historic Château de Chanteloup.
Valtaud highlighted the Cognac’s uncommon flavor profile, stating that it possesses floral notes atypical of its age. He described the tasting experience as unique, featuring hints of acacia, orange blossom, and tobacco leaves. This Cognac, having matured for over seventy years in Martell’s cellars—primarily in the storied Jean Martell cellar for the most rare spirits—was previously transferred to glass flasks to preserve its character once it reached its peak.
Despite the existence of other reserves, Valtaud affirmed that this specific bottle is unparalleled and intended for a single collector. "It’s not a limited edition, it’s unique," he remarked, emphasizing the singular nature of the offering.