£75K Château d’Yquem breaks record

A bottle of 1811 Château d’Yquem has been sold for £75,000, setting a Guinness world record.

The 200-year old Bordeaux was sold by London fine wine specialists, The Antique Wine Company, to private collector and sommelier Christian Vanneque.

Stephen Williams, managing director of The Antique Wine Company, said: “The quality of the 1811 is unparalleled and the vintage encapsulates all that Château d’Yquem epitomises.”

Vanneque purchased the rare bottle for his new establishment, SIP Sunset Grill in Bali, Indonesia, where it will go on display when the restaurant launches in September 2011.

He said: “This bottle will serve as a central feature and major attraction for my new restaurant.

“This bottle of Chateau d’Yquem signifies unrivalled quality and character, attributes that I wish to emulate in the new establishment.”

According to the Antique Wine Company, the checks on authenticity carried out as part of The Antique Wine Company’s diligence process, proved significant in establishing the value of the wine.

The bottle was accompanied by a ‘record of inspection’ from Chateau d’Yquem, but examinations of the label; bottle shape, punt and colour; and cork were also necessary for authentication.