Flicking through an old wine list from Christmas 1953 - from a Royal Warrant Holder and esteemed merchant - it is fascinating to see of how things have changed. A Beaujolais was only half the price of a Richebourg. A simple dry sherry cost the same as Chateau Latour (which was half the price of Chartreuse) and the same price as Sparkling Burgundy... whatever that may be! Chianti from Ruffino matched the price of the very best Bordeaux, and South African “brandy” was more expensive than Bollinger.

In 70 years' time, people may look at the Dreweatts' December sale with the same curiosity and marvel. But there is no doubt that we are lucky to be drinking wine in this period. I often think that after thousands of years of winemaking, we now drink better wine than anyone ever has - and it has only taken 50 years to get here.

Our Christmas sale is testament to this change, and looking back at our sales in 2025, I would not hesitate to say that Dreweatts' Wine Department is one of the best and more interesting places to buy wine in the world today. This forthcoming sale combines some of the finest wines from across the globe, with bottles from multiple vintages, growers, and price points. We choose not merely to chase and sell the famous names, but rather to seek out eclectic and exciting cellars, taking great pride in offering wines for every occasion.

The sale, held over two days, offers Port, young and old Champagne, red Bordeaux, mouth-watering red and white Burgundy from the last 20 years, as well as sensational wines from South America, a few bottles from my beloved Alsace, and many more. This is a really important auction and, like all our sales, it is unique and cannot be replicated.

Spanning 90 years, the ones I would serve with my Christmas lunch. Slightly poetic, perhaps, but I have chosen all the 5's for 2025.

Mark's Top Picks for Christmas Lunch

2005 von Hövel, Oberemmeler Hütte Riesling Spätlese, Mosel

The perfect way to start the day. A slightly sweet, low alcohol wine that is refreshing and beautifully made - a classic Mosel. This is sure to get the taste buds and the conversation going. Brilliant for both young and old, and pairs well with all canapés.

1985 Dom Pérignon

To toast each other just before the meal, I would choose this wonderful mature Champagne to fire the starting gun.

2015 Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey, Meursault, Les Narvaux

One of Burgundy’s finest producers. Flinty, smoky, buttery, with a beautifully balanced richness and acidity. At 10 years old, it is in its perfect drinking window.

1995 Château de Beaucastel Rouge, Châteauneuf-du-Pape (Double Magnum)

A massive warming, festive embrace in a big bottle. Châteauneuf-du-Pape has always been seen as the best friend to a slightly uninspiring turkey. This striking, complex, silky and full-bodied megastar from 1995 adds that extra wattage in a double magnum.

1975 Château d'Yquem, Sauternes

This deep, rich, hedonistic Yquem is now an icon, showing exactly as it was meant to after 50 years of getting ready for you. Something very special indeed. I wouldn't serve it with something sweet, but rather something salty to let it truly sing!

1935 Hooper's, Vintage Port

Perhaps one of the last remaining bottles, and the perfect way to end the day before people shuffle off to another part of the house for a sleep. Hooper’s was founded by a London merchant in the 19th century. 1935 was a classic vintage and should still be very much alive - a truly unique way to finish lunch.

From the Wine department, we wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Auction Details

This is a live online auction with an auctioneer. The auction will take place on Tuesday 9 & Wednesday 10 December (starting at 10.30am GMT) at Dreweatts Newbury, but please note all wine and spirits are stored off-site at LCB Eton Park. Bidding is available online, by telephone, by commission bids or in person at Dreweatts. Please contact Dreweatts to register all commission bids or telephone bids by 12 noon GMT the day before the sale.

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DELIVERIES: With the festive season approaching, we will do our utmost to arrange timely delivery ahead of the holidays. To ensure delivery to mainland UK before Christmas and New Year, please settle your invoice by 19 December and confirm your preferred delivery date and address so we can schedule this smoothly. Importantly, pre-Christmas and New Year’s deliveries cannot be guaranteed with late payees.  For more details see STORAGE and COLLECTION here. 

Please note that our offices will be closed from 22 December to 4 January.

THINKING OF SELLING?
Our specialists can provide valuations on single bottles and entire cellars, as well as advice on starting and maintaining your cellar. For further details or a free auction valuation, please contact:

Dreweatts Wine Department
Mark Robertson | Violette Jongbloed | Emily Clarke | Lucy Dadd
Direct tel: +44 (0) 1635 553 594
Main tel: +44 (0) 1635 553 553
E-mail: wine@dreweatts.com

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