Basil Sellers' wine odyssey

On March 24, a magnificent single-owner wine sale that features Basil Sellers’ 40-year wine story will take place at Bonhams Paris saleroom. The Australian businessman and philanthropist has extensive knowledge of and passion for fine wine. He is also the main sponsor of Len Evans Tutorial, a respected Australian wine programme.

The sale traces his wine passion from the Reynella Vintage Reserve 1963, which he first tasted in his home city of Adelaide, to the wines of the Hunter Valley he encountered in Sydney; and finally, to Europe when a chance encounter with a fine bottle of Château Beychevelle kick started his interest in Bordeaux. Basil was then introduced to iconic French wines which have become his lifetime inspiration and which make up most of the collection up for sale.

Bonhams senior wine specialist in Paris, Oliver Wiseman, said: “We are delighted to present this magnificent cellar that Basil built up at his wonderful home, Villa Cuccia Noya in St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat on the Côte d’Azur. Treasures include examples from his favourite châteaux such as Château Latour 1961 and rare vintages of Château Mouton Rothschild and Château Cheval Blanc including the legendary 1947. Leading Burgundy domaines, such as Romanée-Conti, J-F Mugnier, Frédéric Esmonin, Clos de Tart and Armand Rousseau are also well represented.”

Highlights:

• Three magnums of Château Latour 1947 ranging in estimate from €3,000-3,500/$ 3,300-3,850 to €2,500-3,000/$2,750-3,300 each.
• Two magnums of Château Mouton Rothschild 1959 estimated at €5,000-6,000/$ 5,500-6,600 each.
• Three bottles of Château Latour 1961 estimated at €8,000-9,000/$8,800-9,900
• Four magnums of La Romanée 2000 Bouchard Père et Fils. Estimated at €6,500-7,500/$ 7,150-8,250
• Ten bottles of Bâtard-Montrachet 2002 Domaine Leflaive. Estimated at €5,000-6,000/$5,500-6,600
• Five bottles of Barolo Monfortino Riserva 2004 Giacomo Conterno. Estimated at €3,800-4,500/$4,180-4,950

Information on the sale:

The Collection of an Important Villa at St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Location: 4 Rue de la Paix, 75002 Paris
Date: Thursday 24 March at 10:30 am