Bonhams' September 13 auction of Fine and Rare Wines will see an unusual Black Pearl cognac provide a highlight.
 Cognac is often revered for its presentation appeal |
The Remy Martin Black Pearl cognac spent several years onboard a luxury cruise ship, before being spotted by a trained sommelier who immediately recognised its rarity and bought it. Featuring a limited edition black crystal decanter, it will now sell with a £5,000-7,000 ($8,000-11,000) estimate.
The cognac contained within the beautiful decanter, a Louis XIII de Remy Martin, is made using a complex blend of 1,200 40- to 100-year-old eaux de vie and is aged in ancient oak barrels. Made using grapes from the Grande Champagne region, it is one of just 800 Black Pearl bottles produced each year.
The majority of the Louis XIII de Remy Martin is bottled in Baccarat decanters, and the Black Pearl variety is rarely seen at auction. Unlike rare wines, the vessel in which the cognac is housed plays a large role in its appeal to collectors.
"The selection of Cognac we have in this sale is a feast for the senses. Black Pearl is a highly sought after de-luxe Cognac and it is incredibly rare to see something like this come up at auction," commented Bonhams' Richard Harvey.
"With the Cognac market increasingly buoyant, it is a pleasure to be offering rare bottles produced over two centuries ago and bottles with interesting provenance and presentation."
A stunning decanter of Frapin Francios Rabelais 1er Grand Cru will also demonstrate presentation appeal in the sale, with an estimate of £3,000-4,000 ($4,500-6,500). The decanter takes the form of a giant pocket watch, covered in gilt, and features a functioning clock at the centre.
Collectors will have the opportunity to bid on a "forgotten" bottle of 1920s Godet Cognac Gastronome in the forthcoming Part de Anges charity auction on September 20, which features bottles from the top cognac houses.
Visit our dedicated Wine, Whisky and Spirits news section for more of the latest on cognac collecting and investment.
