Loading lot detailsâŠ
The October 2026 Auction: Part 5
Swipe left for previous · Swipe right for next
1 / 2Lot 1669
Estimate: $160
Lightly wrinkled capsule, lightly scuffed label.
Next Bid
Opening Bid
Sign in to place bids and add to your watchlist.
Login to BidCollection name
Reviews
92RP
". . . possesses a fabulous, intense perfume of exotic fruits and honey, as well as amazing richness, purity, and a level of concentration and balance that must be tasted to be believed. Already approachable, it is capable of lasting . . . . Sadly, only 50 cases were produced for the world. Monbazillac is well-known in French history, but my experience in tasting through the appellation's wines has unearthed few gems. Leave it to Eric Solomon to discover this remarkable estate. The vineyard is planted with a high percentage of Muscadelle (50%), along with Sémillon (45%), and Sauvignon Blanc (5%). There are two cuvées produced. The young vine cuvée (the vines are 45-years old) produced only 8.5 hectoliters per hectare in 1994 (less than one-quarter ton of fruit per acre). Additionally, these grapes are picked grape by grape (as they develop the noble rot), not by bunch. The proprietors, Claudia and Bruno Bilarcini, actually pass through the vineyard a minimum of four to five times a day. Given the fact that it is a manual harvest, the 1994 was harvested between October 20 and November 25. Fasten your seat belts, as these wines are remarkable. Admittedly, with microscopic vinifications such as this, it is easier to achieve near perfection. In spite of the tiny production, wines such as this need to be brought to the attention of my readers. Moreover, recognition of such extraordinary efforts only encourages other highly enthusiastic overachievers to attempt similar ventures. It is an understatement to say these are the greatest wines I have ever tasted from Monbazillac; in fact, they are among the greatest sweet wines I have tasted - from anywhere!"
Region
Sweet
Country
Score
". . . possesses a fabulous, intense perfume of exotic fruits and honey, as well as amazing richness, purity, and a level of concentration and balance that must be tasted to be believed. Already approachable, it is capable of lasting . . . . Sadly, only 50 cases were produced for the world. Monbazillac is well-known in French history, but my experience in tasting through the appellation's wines has unearthed few gems. Leave it to Eric Solomon to discover this remarkable estate. The vineyard is planted with a high percentage of Muscadelle (50%), along with Sémillon (45%), and Sauvignon Blanc (5%). There are two cuvées produced. The young vine cuvée (the vines are 45-years old) produced only 8.5 hectoliters per hectare in 1994 (less than one-quarter ton of fruit per acre). Additionally, these grapes are picked grape by grape (as they develop the noble rot), not by bunch. The proprietors, Claudia and Bruno Bilarcini, actually pass through the vineyard a minimum of four to five times a day. Given the fact that it is a manual harvest, the 1994 was harvested between October 20 and November 25. Fasten your seat belts, as these wines are remarkable. Admittedly, with microscopic vinifications such as this, it is easier to achieve near perfection. In spite of the tiny production, wines such as this need to be brought to the attention of my readers. Moreover, recognition of such extraordinary efforts only encourages other highly enthusiastic overachievers to attempt similar ventures. It is an understatement to say these are the greatest wines I have ever tasted from Monbazillac; in fact, they are among the greatest sweet wines I have tasted - from anywhere!"
Have questions?
The world's most influential fine-wine producer and the benchmark for Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne and the Rhone. Its appellation (AOC) system codifies geography, grape and method, and its wines set the global standard for age-worthiness and terroir expression.
Yields crisp, aromatic whites with citrus, herb and grassy notes. It shines in the Loire, Bordeaux blends and around the world for its refreshing zip.
Prized both for age-worthy dry whites and, when affected by noble rot, the great sweet wines of Sauternes. It offers waxy texture and honeyed depth.