There are many other appealing items on which to bid in the Wine and Spirits category.  Due to space limitations, the list below includes those that are valued at $500 or more.

800       Martha Washington’s “Special Recipe” Rum   

$2,500

     On September 28, 2005, master distillers gathered at a cornerstone-laying ceremony at the site of George Washington’s distillery. On Dogue Creek’s bank, using an 18^th century pot still replica, they created fine, hand-crafted colonial rum. The Washington’s hospitality was renowned throughout the colonies, and Martha’s Rum Punch was a favorite libation.  Hand-bottled in 2008, enjoy this truly rare taste of history.  Only 10 bottles exist!

Courtesy of the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association

801       Château Mouton Rothschild with Label by Pierre Alechinsky 1966      

$865                

     In the history of French wines, the story of the Château Mouton Rothschild is unique. The Château was classified as Deuxième Cru in the Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855, though the label would soon come to be known as one of the world’s greatest winemakers.  After decades of lobbying, Mouton Rothschild was finally recognized as Premier Cru in 1973.  This was the first change ever to the 1855 Classification.  Baron Philippe de Rothschild came up with the idea of having each year's label designed by a famous artist of the day. In 1946, this became a permanent and significant aspect of the Mouton image with labels created by some of the world's great painters and sculptors.  The Mouton Rothschild 1966 is by itself a legendary wine, with famed Belgian artist Pierre Alechinsky’s label design only adding to the uniqueness of this bottle.

Courtesy of the Mellon Family

802       Château Mouton Rothschild Pauillac Grand Cru 1928  

$3,750

     If Bordeaux were a crown, Pauillac would be the crown jewel.  With their velvet red color and a hint of amber, the wines from the Pauillac appellation, full-bodied and rich in tannin, are vigorous. Powerful when young, their aromas of red fruits (black-currant, raspberry) or flowers (violets, roses, irises) melt with the passing of time into a bouquet which is long in the mouth. Rich and complex, the wines of Pauillac deserve to be laid down for a little longer.  In order to have the right to the Pauillac appellation of controlled origin, red wines must come from precisely defined parcels in the commune of Pauillac, satisfy precise production conditions, a minimum of sugar, degree, and base yield.  This is truly a “once in a lifetime” wine.

Courtesy of Mr. and Mrs. T. Eugene Smith

803       Haut-Brion Grand Am Bordeaux 1989, Two Bottles      

$2,200

     When world-renowned wine critic, and preeminent Bordeaux expert, Robert Parker, Jr., was asked what wine he would ask for if he could have only one bottle for the rest of his life, he replied, “The ’89 Haut Brion.”  Enough said.  This wine is very hard to find, for obvious reasons.  These two bottles have been meticulously cellared.

Courtesy of Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Little

$1,400                                                             

     After World War II, Madame Loubat was the sole proprietor of Chateau Petrus.  At this time, the establishment of Jean-Pierre-Moueix, a company of wine merchants from Libourne, had the monopoly for its distribution.  In 1961, Chateau Petrus went to Madame Loubat’s nephew and niece: Madame Lacoste and Monsieur Lignac.  Since then, Jean-Piere Moueix has bought Monsieur Lignac’s shares.  Under the direction of Jean-Pierre’s son, Christian, and their oenologist, Jean Claude Berrouet, Petrus receives the care of a pampered child.  The grapes are picked only in the afternoon, when the morning dew has evaporated, so as not to risk even the slightest dilution of quality.  Bordeaux’s most intensely concentrated, richly flavored and unique red wine.  The label has become famous for its incredible power, depth and richness, yet a remarkable balance with penetrating aromas of ripe mulberry, black currant and fruit and spicy vanilla oak—setting it apart from all Bordeaux’s finest wines.

Courtesy of Mr. and Mrs. T. Eugene Smith

807       Château Latour 1967    

$775                                                                                        

     Unquestionably the best wine produced in the Médoc in 1967, the Latour has dark ruby color with some browning at the edges, a medium-to full-bodied feel, plenty of black currant fruit, and shoulders above the other Premier Cru. This wine has the classic Latour bouquet of black walnuts, black currants, mineral scents, and cedarwood.

Courtesy of Mr. and Mrs. T. Eugene Smith

808       Château Cheval Blanc 1967, Two Bottles         

$692                

     Part of the present Château Cheval Blanc was a former inn where King Henry IV stayed. In honor of his king, the landlord decided to rename it, "Auberge du cheval blanc”.  This historic property would come to be the finest vineyard in Saint-Emilion, passing through the Fourcaud-Laussac family for more than 150 years. The Château was designated Premier Cru in 1855.  On a sandy and gravelly soil, cabernet franc takes its entire splendor. It is a sensual wine with an impressive potential for ageing, only revealing its entire subtle aromas after a decade or more.

Courtesy of Mr. and Mrs. T. Eugene Smith

811       Château Lafite Rothschild (Premier Cru Classe) 1967  

$550

     Only four wine-producing Châteaux of Bordeaux achieved Premier Cru status in the 1855 Classification.  Of those, the first one in the list is Château Lafite Rothschild, a consistent producer of one of the world's most expensive red wines.  In 1787, Thomas Jefferson had already highlighted the Chateau Lafite as one of Bourdeaux’s best winemakers. 

Courtesy of the Mellon Family

812       Opus One 2000, Six Bottles     

$1,050

     For thirty years, the famous partnership of Robert Mondavi and Baron Phillippe de Rothschild has been producing California’s most renowned wines.  Soft and lush in texture, the 2000 Opus One offers aromas of sandalwood, leather, caramel, and a hint of anise.  Showing flavors of blackberries and herbs, the wine is harmonious with sweet tannins and a long, intense finish.

Courtesy of Dr. and Mrs. Randolph H. Guthrie

814      1970 Haut-Brion Grand Cru Bordeaux, Five Bottles

$2,500                                                                                                                                           

     From the fabled Haut-Brion estate, these five bottles are from the vintage that was the best in Bordeaux between 1961 and 1982. The grand crus of this vintage have matured beautifully. What a special treat this would be for a very special occasion. You have the opportunity to taste this wine at its peak, after someone else has carefully cared for it for almost four decades.

Courtesy of the Mellon Family

$500

     Robert Parker, Jr., calls 1963 one of the, “greatest port vintages in the 20^th century.” The Graham reputation speaks for itself. This is a very, very special opportunity. Think about sharing the best chocolate you can find and the W. J. Graham 1963 with your very best friends. They’ll love you.

Courtesy of Mrs. William H. Borthwick, Vice Regent for California, and Mr. Borthwick

836       St. Andrews Cut Crystal Champagne Bucket with Tongs            

$645

     Use this sterling silver George III ice tong (marked Exeter 1825) to place ice in your European cut crystal St. Andrews champagne cooler.  Included in the set is a second set of rare coin silver tongs. Whether you are celebrating a hole-in-one, winning the lottery to play nine holes at St. Andrews or achieving better business during these trying times, make it beyond special by using these three rare items.   

Courtesy of The Antique Guild and the Shops at Mount Vernon