Feature image credit: Nick Cubbin
Renowned Australian wine critic, author, and commentator James Halliday AM is currently holding the final sale of his extraordinary wine collection via an online auction hosted by Langtons.
This is a rare chance to get your hands on fascinating collectors’ items in the form of wines from the personal cellar of one of Australia’s most prominent wine figures.
Aptly known as James Halliday’s Private Collection, the auction features an extraordinary 100 lots from Halliday’s favoured French producer, Domaine Armand Rousseau. Each of these bottles comes personally signed by Halliday, adding an extra touch of provenance.
The auction has already kicked off on the Langtons website and will run through until 9pm on 25 May.
The highlight of the auction is arguably the selection from Domaine Armand Rousseau, and includes such esteemed bottles as the 1999 Clos des Ruchottes Monopole, Ruchottes-Chambertin, 1976 Clos de la Roche, and the 1990 Grand Cru, Chambertin.
If you’re looking to get your hands on something special from South Australia, look no further than the Charles Melton Nine Popes Grenache Shiraz Mourvedre, Barossa Valley 1992. The wine has a surprisingly dark hue, with expressive notes of blackberry and dark stonefruit.
In the 1980s, while the Australian government was encouraging the removal of old Shiraz and Grenache vines, Melton saw potential in these varieties. Inspired by his travels in France, he began experimenting with low-yield, dry-grown vineyards to produce more intense, concentrated fruit.
The name Nine Popes was a cheeky nod to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, France’s famous Grenache-based blend. Mistaking “neuf” for “nine” instead of “new,” Charlie gave his wine a playful twist that would avoid any legal issues with the French.
Also from South Australia, the collection features standouts like the Penfolds Bin 707 Cabernet Sauvignon 1965, a magnum of Henschke Hill of Grace Shiraz 1996 from Eden Valley, and a rare half bottle of Seppeltsfield 100 Year Old Para Vintage Tawny Port from 1906, plus plenty more exceptional finds.
Halliday’s decision to auction these wines coincides with his move from the Yarra Valley’s Coldstream Hills to Sydney, marking this event as his final auction. “Having long since sold the last of my DRCs, my Rousseaus are the best wines in my cellar, led, of course, by the Chambertins from top vintages.”
“Clos de Beze is a worthy second, Clos de Jacques, the wine often offering outstanding value for money. Rousseau now fills the shoes left by the impossible-to-find DRCs,” Halliday remarked on his collection.
Michael Anderson, Head of Auctions and Secondary Market at Langtons, commented on the significance of this auction, “James Halliday is undoubtedly the most important person in the Australian wine scene. His commentary, literary works, judging and philanthropy have altered how Australians buy, sell and consume wine. It is a true pleasure to be once again hosting an auction of his wines – the last ever auction of wines owned by the one and only James Halliday.”
Halliday’s career spans more than 30 years during which he has become Australia’s most recognised wine authority. Among his achievements are the establishment of the prestigious wine publication, the Halliday Wine Companion, and a longtime role as The Australian’s weekly wine columnist until his retirement last year. His contributions to the industry were formally acknowledged in 2010 when he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia.
Want a taste of Halliday’s legendary collection? Explore the auction here: Langton’s James Halliday Private Collection.
More News
