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Bual Leacock 1933
Posted: Tue Nov 21, 2006 10:04 am
by Philip Harvey
Christies in London are offering a complete case (x12) of Bual Leacock 1933 in their December 12 sale, bottled in 1979. The estimate is £360 - £400 which doesn't seem too extreme for 12 bottles such a venerable wine. Does anyone have any experience of this particular Madeira?
Any input gratefully recieved.
Philip
Posted: Tue Nov 21, 2006 10:52 am
by Reidar Andersen
No experience, BUT the price look great. Grab it .
The price for one case is about what Broadbent Wines charge for one bottle of 1934 !! :idea:
Only input is that MWC charge today EUR 237.50 pr. bottle for their
1934 Bual !! Have their latest pricelist in front of me.
Cossart Gordon 1934 Verdelho is EUR 241!!
Posted: Wed Nov 22, 2006 4:18 am
by Philip Harvey
Thanks Reidar. I'll put in a bit but I can't help thinking the christies estimate is way too low. I'll let you know what happens.
Philip
Posted: Wed Nov 22, 2006 7:22 am
by Roy Hersh
Philip,
Something is not right when the price is that insanely low for a full case of 12. I'd ask a lot of questions after putting in a low ball initial bid.
Posted: Wed Nov 22, 2006 8:44 am
by Philip Harvey
Roy/Reidar
In this particular sale (Christies London 12.12.06) there are three lots of Maderia with low estimates as follows:
(lot 362) 6 bottles of Terrantez 1862 (bottled 1977) - est £300 to £360
(lot 363) 12 bottles of Bual Leacock 1933 (bottled by Blandy's in 1979) - est £360 to £400
(lot 364) 12 bottles Calheta, Leacock 1939 (bottled 1979) - est £360 - £400
It appears these are being sold by a member of the Blandy family. I spoke to Christies who conceded that the estimates are on the low side but explained that:
1. Their client is keen to sell and as Madeira is a bit of a niche market, high estimates can sometimes discourage buyers; and
2. The labels on the bottles are personalised from one member of the Blandy family to another and Christies think this could affect their saleability to some extent.
Looking at the Madeira Wine Guide, I also notice that there is no listing for a Leacock 1933 Bual although there is a 1933 Blandy's Bual which would seem to support the special bottling theory.
In any event, I suspect that these issues will be more of an issuer to the collectors than to the drinkers! If the provenance is as good as they say, then the price per bottle looks very attractive. If anyone is interested in splitting any of these cases with me, let me know.
Philip