Ancient cognacs from the cellars of famed Parisian restaurant La Tour d'Argent are coming to auction in December.
Some 180 lots from the eatery will appear at the Christie's sale on December 13 and 14, with armagnac, calvados, marc, port and rum also among their number.
 The restaurant has 400,000 bottles in its cellar |
Highlighting the London auction will be two jeroboams (2.5L) of Grande Fine Champagne Cognac 'La Tour d'Argent' 1805. Bottled at the restaurant 207 years ago, each is expected to achieve up to £15,000 ($24,027).
Also featuring will be a bottle of Vieux Cognac Grande Fine Champagne 'Clos de Griffier' Cafe Anglais 1788.
Given a high estimate of £4,000 ($6,407), it is one of the oldest bottles to ever auction at Christie's.
Like many of the finest tipples at La Tour d'Argent, it was originally housed at the Cafe Anglais - transferring across town when the owner's daughter married La Tour d'Argent's owner, the grandfather of the present proprietor.
La Tour d'Argent, which is said to have been founded in 1582, has a 400,000-strong selection of bottles, featuring 14,000 different labels, which is continually guarded.
Its owner, Andre Terrail, commented: "It is unusual for our diners to request some of our rarest and oldest spirits, and without wishing for such premium spirits to be left forgotten, we requested Christie's help in ensuring these excellent bottles are enjoyed by those who will truly appreciate them."
Noah May, a specialist at Christie's, added: "Venturing into the extensive cellar at La Tour d'Argent almost feels like being an archaeologist - the rows and rows of bottles, floor to ceiling as far as the eye can see, many of which have lain unmoved for almost a century."
The most valuable bottle of cognac sold at auction is an 1858 Cuvee Leonie, which made £101,293 ($162,182) in China last year.
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