Several decades worth of wines from Napa Valley’s Spottswoode and the renowned SuperTuscan estate Masseto will be showcased at an auction this month, coinciding with Zachys’ announcement of relocating its operations to Delaware.
Masseto’s 2022 release will debut via La Place de Bordeaux in September, while collectors can also explore its extensive back catalog through a private collection heading to auction. Christie’s will present a range of Masseto wines from 1986 to 2020, including various formats such as magnums, double-magnums, and imperials during an online sale scheduled in London from September 2 to 16.
Noah May, head of Christie’s wine and spirits department for Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), noted that while there haven’t been many comprehensive Masseto collections offered before, this one marks a significant opportunity for collectors. The lot will include the pre-release 1986 vintage, originally labeled as Ornellaia Merlot Toscana Vino da Tavola, alongside others from the late 1980s and 1990s.
SuperTuscan wines have gained substantial traction within the fine wine secondary market, with notable demand primarily centered on a select few high-end labels. Despite challenges in the current wine market, Tuscany appears to maintain strong performance, as exemplified by a recent auction of Tignanello wines sourced directly from the estate.
Simultaneously, Christie’s will host an online auction in Los Angeles (September 4–18) featuring a vertical collection of Spottswoode wines. This collection comprises 40 vintages of Spottswoode Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, beginning with the inaugural 1982 wine and sourced directly from the Novak family, owners of the vineyard. Estimating between $10,000 and $20,000, the winning bidder will enjoy an invitation to the winery’s annual vertical tasting hosted by CEO Beth Novak and winemaker Aron Weinkauf, with auction proceeds benefiting the non-profit Napa Green.
In other auction news, Zachys has revealed a strategic shift to Delaware, where it will conduct auctions tax-free, thereby enhancing purchasing power for its clients. CEO Eileen Rizzo remarked that this change will allow collectors to maximize their budgets and create a more competitive landscape.