THE IMPORTANCE OF PROVENANCE. THE INVISIBLE THREAT

By Michael Egan, Director of Authenticity and Auctions, BWB

There are many cases of fine wine on the market with a notable travelogue. They have transited through many warehouses, cellars and ports and have basked in the equatorial heat on a dockside or airport shed. They have moved so much that they have never had a moment to rest and develop normally.

 

 

The appearance of the case and the bottles therein often yield no tangible evidence of its colourful travel history and the attendant mishandling. To his or her chagrin, the final owner often has no idea that the wine has undergone any damage until the bottle is opened. As with the revelation of Oscar Wilde’s picture of Dorian Gray, the wine’s true nature is then sadly only too apparent. It is over mature, the bouquet; the wine has lost its freshness and complexity.

 

Then there are the issues of authenticity. The production of fake bottles of the greatest Bordeaux has increased dramatically these last few years. These are easier to assimilate into the market when so many wines are traded without the accompanying proof of provenance.

 

The cases from Bordeaux Winebank tell a different and happier story.

 

When the opportunity arose to join Bordeaux Winebank in May 2010, I took it gladly. Here was a Bordeaux négociant who only purchased directly from the château or from the very first merchants in the chain. I was gratified to be able confirm that all their stock is of exceptional and guaranteed provenance: all has remained in Bordeaux since bottling. All of the Bordeaux Winebank bottles that I have opened for tastings and events have been exceptional. When decanting them, I was amazed at how quickly the aromas filled the room. Every wine is a benchmark as to how it really should taste and thus an important reference. It is as if the wine was tasted at the château.

 

Michael Egan

 

 






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