Take A Guided Tour of Our Exceptional Wine Auction!

By: Joann Maplesden

TourING our fine Wine auction

As 2025 draws to a close – a year defined by enthusiasm and record-settings results – we are delighted to present our final Fine Wine auction of the season. This auction is nothing short of extraordinary, offering nearly 600 carefully-curated lots that span the world’s most iconic wine-growing regions: classified Bordeaux, profound Burgundies, exclusive Californians, celebratory Champagnes, and many more rare and remarkable liquid treasures. Once again, we thank our consignors for entrusting their collections to us.

This auction opens with the pinnacle of power and prestige: perfectly-scored bottles of Scarecrow and Screaming Eagle, a radiant reminder of the warm Californian sun while we ease into winter. Collectors with a passion for elusive Napa bottlings will be pleased to know that this auction includes a strong representation of American wines – 10% of the catalogue, in fact – balanced by exemplary offerings from around the world: 26% Bordeaux, 24% Italy, 22% Burgundy, 5% Rhône, and, perfectly suited to the festive season, more than 100 bottles of Champagne.

For those who appreciate a deeper look into the composition of this auction, a few highlights stand out:

  • 585 distinct wines represented by cuvée and vintage
  • 96 lots offered in their original cases
  • 140 bottles awarded a perfect 100-point score
  • Lovers of white Burgundy can rejoice with 55 bottles on offer

We invite you to join us on a “guided tour” through each consignment. Beyond offering insight into provenance, storage, and collection history, we hope this overview draws attention to the standout lots that deserve special consideration. We hope this journey helps you share in our excitement and appreciation for this auction.

 


 

Lots 1-4, 76-92, 113-137:

From a longtime trusted consignor from Toronto (who is equally known to us as a discerning buyer) comes another powerful collection of well-loved and well-stored treasures, including Scarecrows, Screaming Eagle, some excellent Bordeaux (including six bottles of Le Dome – lots 83, 84, and 85), strong Rhône representation (check out these three lots of Chave Hermitage – lots 88, 89, and 90), a number of Tuscan treasures (including some Supers), and even more excellent Napa wines. Wines from this cellar are consistently well-sourced, meticulously maintained, and never fail to impress.

Lots 5-9, 239-285:

This consignment is the first of many from an important longtime buyer from just west of Toronto who has offered a small selection from their impressive cellar for this auction. Primarily blue-chip Bordeaux, the consignment finishes with a smaller selection of Super Tuscans.

Lots 10-12, 430-452:

Coming from eastern Ontario, this is a smaller yet impressive consignment of excellently-stored Bordeaux (including 3 lots of Pétrus – lots 10, 11 and 12), some Sauternes, Rhône, Napa, and a single lot of Penfolds Bin 707.

Lots 13-17, 286-302:

Submitted by a respected wine collector, researcher, and writer, this consignment reflects a thoughtful parting with cherished bottles. Look for 2012 Pétrus, three lots of 100-point Beaucastel, and notable highlights from France, Italy, and Napa.

Lots 18-20, 23-26, 175-238:

From an important client for over ten years as both consignor and a buyer with Waddington’s, this consignment is abundant with wines still in their original wooden cases. Look for sought after Tuscan wines and the always desired Dominus in wood. Look for Sassicaia (2014-2019) offered in six bottle wooden cases.  Also offered are rare Italians wines and esoteric Napa bottles, plus many oversized bottles which are perfect for seasonal entertaining.

Lots 21, 22, 169-174:

From a collector who has been active in the Toronto wine world for over thirty years, this is the beginning of the downsizing of his collection. He is offering the 1993 Mouton Rothchild with both labels. The original label was censored in North American, with the label re-issued. There is also a selection from Tuscany and Piedmont, all from outstanding producers.

Lots 27, 28, 31-75, 93-112:

From a Toronto oenophile who contributes to nearly every auction, this consignment features rare Tête de Cuvée Champagne and exceptional Burgundy from Mugnier, Gouges, Vogüé, and Dugat-Py.

Lots 29, 30, 141-148, 334-342:

Previously an Ontario wine agent and now retired, this consignor purchased these bottles directly from the producer, shipping them straight from the domaine. The collection centres on Méo-Camuzet, one of the Côte d’Or’s most celebrated estates, renowned for its holdings in Vosne-Romanée and six esteemed grand crus—an irresistible offering for Burgundy devotees.

Lots 139, 140:

A regular consignor, located north of Toronto, and a collector of high-end Burgundy, offers two lots of 2017 Domaine Leflaive white burgundy. 2017 was considered a very good growing year benefitting from consistent weather and conditions. The Chevalier-Montrachet was scored (95-97) points by Wine Advocate.

Lots 149-158:

This collector has built an extensive and well-curated cellar. For this consignment he has offered a collection of Super Tuscans, Banfi Brunellos, Rhône and the well-known Washington State wine Quilceda Creek.

Lots 159-168:

A consignor with Waddingtons since 2017, their offers always represent sought after, rare wines that have been perfectly stored since their release. Small, but always the very best from every region.

Lots 303-333:

A couple from southwestern Ontario continues the gradual scaling-down of their beautifully designed and flawlessly maintained cellar. Following their remarkable 20-bottle Mouton Rothschild vertical offered in September, this auction features a varied collection of French wines, including a 100-point 1989 Pétrus.

Lots 343-429:

We are delighted to present the collection of a passionate enthusiast of French wines and esoteric Champagnes. Burgundy lovers will find offerings from Boillot, Drouhin, Magnien, Dujac, Serafin, Clos de Tart, and more. Rare Champagnes include Leclapart, Diebolt-Vallois, Gosset, and Roses de Jeanne. Also featured are four lots of Bodega Catena Zapata Nicolás Catena Zapata, all in their original wooden cases.

Lots 453-486:

This grouping, drawn from a cellar rich in First Growths and Classified French wines, includes the highly sought-after 2000 Mouton Rothschild. Additional highlights span Hungary (Tokaji), Port, Rhône, and Italy.

Lots 487-503:

A curated selection from a seasoned Toronto collector, offering a well-balanced mix of Old World and New World bottles—an excellent opportunity for collectors looking to diversify or replenish their cellar.

Lots 504-515:

Marking the first consignment from an established Oakville collector, this offering showcases Italian and Napa wines, with standout oversized Super Tuscans in OWC and coveted Napa Cabernets such as Caymus, Dominus, Ulysses, and Schrader. Several magnums are included.

Lots 516-526:

This Toronto consignor brings a focused selection built around Bodega Catena Zapata from Argentina, rare Napa wines from Betz, and Washington State’s Avennia, along with South Africa’s acclaimed Porseleinberg from Swartland.

Lots 527-538:

Another new consignor from Oakville, Ontario, showcasing his collection of French and Tuscan treasures.  Don’t miss out on the 1998 Alter Ego.

Lots 539-544:

From eastern Ontario, this inaugural consignment from a prominent collector features beautifully stored Italian wines—primarily Super Tuscans—and a fine Gaja Barbaresco.

Lots 545-548:

A passionate female oenophile shares a thoughtful glimpse into her impeccably maintained cellar with a select offering.

Lots 549-558:

A collector of small boutique Napa wines offers the rare Rivers-Marie,  21 Grams and Arnot-Roberts, along with a few Rhône.

Lots 560, 561:

From a seasoned Port enthusiast, these lots mark the beginning of what will be a more extensive offering planned for February.

About the Auction

Bidding in the Fine Wine auction begins to close Tuesday, December 2 at 6 pm ET.

We invite you to browse the full catalogue for the Fine Wine auction, as well as the catalogue for our Fine Spirits auction.

We are always delighted to answer any questions you may have about current offerings, how to buy, build a collection, or consign wine and spirits. Contact us at [email protected].


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