Partnership Creates Desirability
Every wine collector’s eye will be trained on Sotheby’s auction blocks this Spring as 75 limited edition Versailles Celebration Cases go under the hammer. Each case contains five Château Mouton Rothschild vintages with labels by outstanding contemporary artists who have also exhibited at the Palace of Versailles, including Giuseppe Penone, Bernar Venet, Anish Kapoor, Jeff Koons, and Lee Ufan.
A trio of international auctions at Sotheby’s will see the first 25 cases being offered in Hong Kong on 1 April (each case starts at HKD32,000 or RM16,641), followed by London on 17 April, and concluding in New York on 4 May. As Philippe Sereys de Rothschild – Chairman and CEO of the family company Baron Philippe de Rothschild SA – explains, all proceeds from the auction are to be donated in full to fund restoration projects at the Palace of Versailles. “The strong and enduring link between my family and art is not just about labels on a bottle; it is much more global and permanent,” he says.
“As patrons of the arts, we have taken part in the restoration of many historical buildings. This thrilling partnership with the Palace of Versailles is an extension of our commitment to and support for the arts. As a symbol of creative endeavour, the Palace of Versailles forms a natural pairing with Château Mouton Rothschild: both chateaux are united by the French art of living, which embraces wine and culture. The partnership is an extension of Mouton’s existing support of the Palace, ensuring that its long-standing legacy as an icon of French tradition and culture can be enjoyed by generations to come.”
Those who place the winning bids for these beautifully crafted collectors’ cases will also be invited to attend a private visit and tasting at Château Mouton Rothschild, and the Versailles Celebration Gala Dinner at the Palace of Versailles on 21 September. (If that’s not enough of an incentive already, historic ex-cellar vintages of Château Mouton Rothschild are to be served at this exclusive event.) “These very special and rare collectors’ cases really bring together lovers of art and wine – and many of them love both!” remarks Sereys de Rothschild.
“For that reason, I think it appeals to a broader market and to those who appreciate true elegance and the finer things in life. This is a celebration of both Mouton Rothschild and the Palace of Versailles, and the wonderful relationship between them. In addition to the stunning case and the wines inside, it also brings a unique opportunity to attend a lavish dinner at Versailles at which mythical vintages will be served.”
