Domaine René Engel

“ Another magic moment…”

ourgogne, Vosne-Romanée, December his first parcelles of vine in 1919 – to this bottles are new and in excellent condition, 2018. The large gate slowly opens family heritage patiently built by three regardless of the wine’s vintage. Bshortly after I ring the bell just above remarkable men. The Omega, the full cir- Transport and Geneva FreePort : The the old, golden engraved nameplate : cle… one hundred years circumference. A wines were transported from Domaine “Domaine René Engel ”. The venerable heritage worthy of the Burgundian land Engel’s cellar to the Geneva FreePort in a mansion hereby revealed is majestic, buco- from which it stems and arises, this ter- specially chartered truck under a bailiff’s lically peaceful, outdated as only country- roir de Bourgogne continues to offer the supervision. The wines were escorted to side calmness will procure. As I pass the world the excellence of its climats, coupled Geneva FreePort cellars, where they are gate, I turn back and admire the beautiful with its secular œnological, wine-making currently stored in perfect temperature vines overlooking the village – a first emo- savoir-faire conceived in monastic times and hygrometric conditions. tion, prelude to other lovely ones on the and enhanced ever since by men of the Prooftag™ and original wooden cases : occasion of the sale of the ultimate wines sort… The uniqueness of this collection was originating from a Domaine as historic as Considering the repute of Domaine again an incentive to improve the wines’ Engel… René Engel and the rarity of their wines, traceability process. Every bottle in this From the winery, on the house’s ground considering their immaculate source and auction benefits from the Prooftag™ pro- floor, I can see the flight of stairs leading pristine preservation, all the ingredients tection system, used by many prominent down to the impressive vaulted cellar, are gathered to kindle the dream of fine Domaines, enabling each buyer to iden- where the wines have been resting for Burgundian wines’ amateurs to share one tify and authenticate each wine that they almost a century, for some of them. Ano- of these bottles… another magic moment ! acquire at this historic auction. The bott- ther magic moment : the bottles, silen- Provenance : All the bottles in the auc- les, magnums, jeroboams and the methu- tious, covered in mold and patience, have tion come from Domaine René Engel’s selah are offered in original wooden cases remained untouched in the cellar since underground vaulted cellar – cellar which marked Domaine René Engel, created Philippe flew to Tahiti to sail his second was built at the beginning of the last cen- exclusively for this auction. passion, the sea, one last time. The family tury. These bottles have been kept undis- The auction of these ultimate bottles will have preciously kept these potent trea- turbed in this one and only cellar, until originating from the Engel estate will sures, souvenirs of a trilogy of enthusiasts, Baghera/wines arranged for their trans- remain without a doubt in the lineage of René, Pierre and Philippe. port to the Geneva FreePort in February its illustrious neighbour, the Henri Jayer Emotion of warmth and sharing – 2019, under the supervision of a sworn sale. René Engel taught the latter œnology moments I enjoy the most, with the first bailiff. at Dijon’s Faculty of Sciences, and trans- bottle tasted in the cellar, a Vosne Brulées Preservation : Needless to say, the best of mission is the common thread linking 2002, and later, throughout our many wines are those that are never moved from these exceptional personalities, culmina- visits to the Domaine, a Grands-Échezeaux the peace of their original cellar… The ting in the figure of Philippe Engel, gone 1998, Vosne-Romanée, -Vougeot and bottles in this auction have been ideally too soon, who succeeded in carrying the so many more… The depth of the wines well preserved in their natural cellar at the Engel wines amongst the finest wines of who demand to be opened for a while Domaine. this world. before tasting, in order to “take their New capsules and labels : As is the tra- I wish to thank Michèle Engel for her breath”, concentrated berries, and always dition in , the family kept the warm welcome and trust, in offering us the elegance and poetry Philippe succee- wines “sur pile” (without capsules and full immersion into the family history. I ded to instill into his cuvées. I can but labels) in the Domaine cellar. Capsules, am also extremely grateful to Claire, Bri- note the extraordinary cellaring potential waxes and labels were therefore placed on gitte and Frédéric who re-opened the of these wines, youth incarnate, dynami- all the bottles in the Domaine’s vat-room doors of the Domaine, bringing it joyously cally evoking the memory of their authors. by the Engel family ahead of the auction, back to life, therefore allowing you, dear A most moving moment for the family, just before the wines were removed from fine wine enthusiasts, to raise your glass to who are definitely parting with the last the premises. The labels were designed the souvenir of this great Trilogy of Bur- expressions of the Domaine, paying an especially for this sale, by the Family, gundy wine-makers – “ Never in vain, always ultimate homage, a last farewell – one a homage to René, Pierre and Phillipe in wine ! ”. full century after René Engel acquired Engel. All the capsules and labels on the Best regards, Michael Ganne

time to B wine #4 — april 2019 — from 1921 to 2004 —

— from Domaine René Engel —

Vosne-Romanée 1921 — 2004 321 274 bottles, 47 magnums Vosne-Romanée 1er Les Brulées 1983 — 2004 210 167 bottles, 40 magnums, 3 jeroboams Échezeaux, Grand Cru 1922 — 2004 159 131 bottles, 28 magnums Grands-Échezeaux, Grand Cru 1923 — 2004 307 302 bottles, 5 magnums Clos-Vougeot, Grand Cru 1923 — 2004 124 bottles, 26 magnums, 9 jeroboams 160 & 1 methuselah

time to B wine #4 — april 2019 each his own…

"WE WILL CONCLUDE BY SAYING THAT THE YEAR OF BIRTH OF A GREAT WINE GIVES THE INSIDER A VALUABLE INDICATION, BUT THE CONNOISSEUR SHOULD NOT BE IMPRESSED BY THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF A VINTAGE, ILLUSTRIOUS OR NOT. " clos-vougeot grand cru outstanding vintages outstanding vintages

symbolic place of Burgundy winema- René — 1923. Ranked by René Engel as René — 1922 Aking, the Château du Clos de Vougeot a very good year, just as 1921, 1926 and Pierre — 1970 and its enclosed vineyards, the property 1929. Philippe — 1985. Seeing that the grapes of Cîteaux Abbey, are intimately connec- Pierre — 1955. Year of the birth of were perfectly ripe and healthy, and despite ted to the evolution of winemaking in the Philippe Engel. Philippe’s concerns about temperature Côte de Nuits. After the French Revolu- Philippe — 2002. This vintage embodies spikes during the fermentation phase, his tion, the Church properties were sold off the perfect balance between the mature grand-father René encouraged him to let to the highest bidder, and the Château and grapes and their delicate acidity. nature follow its course. the vines changed hands several times. On March 1, 1920 René Engel acquired a par- échezeaux grand cru grands-échezeaux grand cru cel in the Clos de Vougeot, at the famous sale that broke up the property of Léonce Grand Cru that flourishes at the foot ne of the gems of Domaine Engel is Bocquet, a local benefactor, who died in Aof the valley of Orveaux near the vil- Ounquestionably its Grand Cru Grands- 1913. The acquisition was of 1 hectare, 36 lage of Flagey, the name of the Échezeaux Échezeaux. The heart of this vine, planted ares and 96 centiares, in the very highly wines achieved such fame that in 1886 it in the 1930s (the vine stocks were on ave- regarded Marei (Maret) Haut section, was added to the name of the commune, rage 75 years old at the time of the Engel- halfway up the hillside. This parcel of gra- becoming Flagey-Échezeaux. Pinault sale), combines two plots that repre- velly clay and limestone soil, standing in On a gently sloping terroir that alter- sent precisely 0.5 hectare of the 7.5 hectares the heart of the mythical Cistercian enclo- nates Comblanchien limestone and marls, that comprise the appellation, recognised sure, located just below the Château, has the red soils of Echézeaux (characterised by decree in 1937. The Grands-Échezeaux illustrious neighbours, including Drou- by a rich presence of iron oxide) are a plot benefits from deep and well-drained hin-Laroze and Bouchard. favourite of grapes. soils as well as an ideal aspect offering a “ One hectare, thirty-six ares and ninety- “ The En Ouvreaux vines adjoining to the perfect balance between sunshine and six centiares in the part of the Clos de Vougeot north side a track, to the south a footpath, to rapid clearing of the morning mists. known as Les Marets Hauts, adjoining to the the east Gaudemet and to the west Jayer and “ Vines adjoining Malbranche to the north, north side Monsieur Alexandre Drouhin, to the one other. ” Pillet to the west, and a track to the south and south the widow Madame Noellat, and to the The half-hectare of vines successively east. ” east a track. ” worked on by the trilogy of men who ran The Grands-Échezeaux produced by It was from these very ancient vines the Engel estate is located in the “ En Domaine Engel marry to perfection the that René, then Pierre and finally Philippe Orveaux ” (or Ouvreaux) sub-plot. Some distinguishing features of this age-old in turn produced the Grand Cru that is of the Échezeaux vines belonging to the terroir – finesse, fruit, depth, complexity. acknowledged as one of the best wines of Engels are very old – almost 80 years in Less amplitude than other Grands Crus the appellation. The Clos de Vougeot of some cases, at the time that Philippe was produced by the estate, but greater length. Domaine René Engel has a deep velvety in charge. This sheltered spot was the Less powerful, but greater subtlety com- character, enormous elegance, remarkable favoured choice of Philippe and his team bined with an attractive minerality and finesse and is bursting with fruit when for their lunchtime breaks during the sea- silky tannins. young. When laid down, it develops a sonal labours. complex bouquet with notes of spices, An Échezeaux with a lot of panache and outstanding vintages blackcurrants and undergrowth, elegantly depth, both rich and pure. It presents a combined in a wine with a rounded tannic distinctive florality and, vintage after vin- René — 1923 structure and remarkable aromatic persis- tage, expresses fruit that maintains great Pierre — 1978. A mythical vintage of the tence. generosity. Côte de Nuits.

time to B wine #4 — april 2019 … outstanding vintage.

"DO THESE LADIES AND GENTLEMEN PREFER A NICE BOTTLE... OR A GOOD VINTAGE? " ( Quotes from “Propos sur l'Art du Bien Boire” by René Engel )

Philippe — 2004. Philippe Engel’s final Richness, concentration, length, boldness, Basses-Maizières, Aux Communes, Les vintage ; a year offering all the qualities with a very attractive balance. A power Vigneux, Les Chalandins… these plots of a Grands-Échezeaux for long cellaring worthy of a Grand Cru. from the lower sector of Vosne are com- – well-structured fruit, mature grapes, bined in a blend to offer wines with a great attractive acid structure, resulting in wines outstanding vintages deal of depth (like the soils), and readiness with real complexity and remarkable for ageing (to refine and increase fruit length. Philippe — 2000. In 2000 Philippe Engel density). The tannic structure (power and produced magnificently balanced wines finesse combined) of these Vosne-Villages vosne-romanée, and the Vosne-Brulées are a remarkable is accompanied by an aromatic palette 1er cru « les brulées » example, offering considerable cellaring to the nose (black pepper, sandalwood, potential. incense and leather) and fluid and fruity he Vosne-Romanée winegrowing area on the palate, or even floral in some fre- Tincludes several Premiers Crus, and vosne-romanée sher vintages. Les Brulées is without question one of its jewels. With 1.1741 hectares of vines There are no ordinary wines in Vosne, ” outstanding vintages growing in the soils of the hillside, where “Courtepée used to say. Often described the soil is richer and the movement of air as the “ Pearl ” of the Burgundy Côtes, René — 1921. One of the greatest early masses subjects the plants to sharp tempe- the beautiful village of Vosne-Romanée, 20th century vintages in Burgundy. rature variations, the Vosne-Romanée 1er steeped in a rich history, is the cradle of Pierre — 1962 Cru Les Brulées of Domaine René Engel many famous wines as well as the ancho- Philippe — 2003 is a combination of three small adjacent ring-point of the Engel family. Built in parcels and a larger parcel (0.93 ha) that the early 1900s by Paul Faiveley and then Julie Carpentier has belonged to the family for many years. bequeathed to René, the main estate buil- “ Vines and land adjoining Gaudemet to the ding located at Place de la Mairie has an north, the Concoeur track and Monsieur Engel extraordinary vaulted cellar in its base- to the south, Jayer and Engel to the east, and ment where three successive generations Pelletier and others to the west. ” – René, Pierre and Philippe – worked to This hillside with its lean and stony make wine from the grapes grown on the ground conducts cool winds and ensures village appellation “ Vosne-Romanée ”. “ The time of the good ventilation of the fruit in summer. “ Les Chalandins, land and wines of forty- This is one of the hottest spots around the eight centiares adjoining Monsieur Engel to the harvest plays a village of Vosne-Romanée, where the heat north, Chopin to the east, Fortier to the south, generated by the glare from the stones and Faiveley to the west. ” increases solar gain. About forty years A string of parcels makes up the 2.868 considerable role : old during Philippe’s time, the estate’s hectares of Vosne-Villages (the area under Vosne-Brulées vineyards produce a wine cultivation at the time of the Engel-Pinault that, regardless of the vintage, unfailingly sale, with vines aged an average of 50 years). ‘If you want combines power, a velvety character and The Vosne-Romanée Village produced by aromatic complexity (one that recalls their Domaine Engel has the reputation of being a to drink good, noble neighbour “ Richebourg ”). A silky superbly well-balanced wine, year after year. mouthfeel and a beautiful ripe fruit, yet With an attractive precision and striking enhanced by the chiselled acidity of this depth, reflecting the quality of the terroir, vintage last’, microclimate, and the mineral and spicy it offers both fruit and lightness, together fragrances characteristic of Vosne-Brulées. with body and length in the mouth. Virgile advised. ”

time to B wine #4 — april 2019 — top — René (on the far right), Philippe (hiding behind René) and Pierre Engel in the Domaine’s cellar, early 1960s. ©Baghera/wines with the kind permission the of Engel family.

— One of René Engel’s numerous notebooks, showing here the first sketches of the Domaine’s graphic identity. — In his early days, René envisioned all possible variations, from sparkling wines to eaux de vie, grape juice, marc and “cassis”... 14th-15th of june 2019 the “e” journey From Domaine Engel to Geneva, with an interlude at maison Troigros.

An exceptional wine auction goes hand-in-hand with exceptional moments. Baghera/wines’ team and the Engel family are delighted to host their wine friends for a “voyage” of celebration over two days. — friday midday — Wine-tasting & luncheon in the Domaine’s vaulted cellar at Vosne-Romanée. A selection of vintages from Domaine René Engel’s cellar will accompany the lunch. — friday evening — Dinner at Maison Troisgros, the prestigious Michelin 3-star house, set in their stunning new premises at Ouches. Orchestrated by Michel, César and Léo Troisgros, the dinner will be composed around Domaine Engel’s finest wines, direct from the cellar. Enjoy the rest of the night at the Maison Troisgros hotel. — saturday morning — Private cooking class with Michel and César Troigros as your guides. — www.troisgros.fr 728 route de villerest 42155 Ouches [email protected] — For more information & booking, please contact Arthur Leclerc [email protected] T. +(41) 79 136 13 01 (very limited places) — the wines — friday midday — — friday evening — (Luncheon at the Domaine, Vosne-Romanée) (Dinner at Maison Troisgros, Ouches) — — Clos-Vougeot 2001 (bottles) Clos-Vougeot 1990 (magnum) Échezeaux 1988 (bottles) Échezeaux 1999 (bottles) Grands-Échezeaux 2004 (bottles) Grands-Échezeaux 1999 (bottles) Vosne-Romanée 1er cru Les Brulées 1996 (magnum) Grands-Échezeaux 1993 (magnum) Vosne-Romanée 2004 (bottles) Grands-Échezeaux 1990 (magnum) Vosne-Romanée 1998 (bottles) Vosne-Romanée 1er cru Les Brulées 1999 (bottles) Vosne-Romanée 1990 (bottles) — —

time to B wine #4 — april 2019 it takes three to trilogy the “e” day Engel all day ‘round

o you want to enjoy ex-Domaine legen- crispy “pop” sound and leisurely savouring and dary wine ?… Yes sure. learning about them during our research and DDo you want to experience legendary investigation work in the cellar with the family. Michelin 3-star gastronomy ?… Yes sure. We progressively extended the drinking window Do you want to encounter ex-Domaine legendary from 3 hours to 8 hours in order to discover their wines all day long in the cellar and in a Michelin true potential and I wished it could have been 3-star gastronomy ? longer each time since the last drops were always the best ever. It was just like passing through a Not long before we received the call from time capsule back to 1935. the Engel family for a chance to meet, we had organised a tasting of Clos Vougeot 2004 and A week after the research work in the cellar Échezeaux 2003 & 2004 in Hong-Kong thanks of Domaine Engel, the Baghera team organized to a collector’s interest to study this mysterious a tasting of Henri Jayer Richebourg at Maison Domaine. The Clos-Vougeot is in the Quartier Troisgros in Ouches, which revealed the links des Marei Haut climat with very old vines and is between these three emblematic figures of good- regarded as one of the best. The Échezeaux is in drinking and good-eating ... Engel, Jayer, Trois- the En Orveaux climat with vines over 50 years of gros – a dreamlike constellation ... For the record, age (planted between 1924 and 1979). We started René Engel began teaching at the University of to taste 30 minutes after the bottles had been Dijon in 1935, year when Jean-Baptiste Troisgros opened. Served in blind, we commented that the renamed his recently created establishment in wines were good but maybe not great. It proved Roanne to “ Hôtel Moderne”. Later, in 1955, two that we were all mistaken after 2 hours when stars were born – Philippe Engel saw the light of the hidden fruit and wide spectrum started to day, whilst the Troisgros house obtained its first revive. After 3 hours, the competition between star in the Michelin guide. The Troisgros family the Échezeaux 2003 and 2004 was fierce and has, moreover, naturally developed links with lively. It was just like yin and yang – 2003 is more the Jayer family, with whom it shares Burgun- masculine and 2004 is more feminine yet their dian roots and artistic talent. Henri Jayer was core characters are common to both – you feel also one of René Engel’s students, who took him the 2003 within the 2004 and the 2004 within under his wing. The triad of planets is aligned ... the 2003. Engel wines can be enjoyed all day long and We all have the experience that wines taste I am convinced. We will kick off the pre-auction better in their country of origin than in our own event with a relaxing luncheon in the Engel’s country and even better when they originate 100 years old underground cellar. The luncheon directly from the Domaine. The less frequent the will be orchestrated by a dynamic young chef changing of hands, the better the taste. Some and paired with Domaine Engel wines, which of us are lucky enough to have experienced tas- will have been opened in the morning to allow ting a few sips of great Burgundy wines within them a perfect ventilation. We will then make their Domaine cellars. One of my recent dream a pilgrimage to Troigros in Ouches for a 3-star experiences was enjoying full bottles of René gastronomic experience orchestrated by Michel Engel Vosne-Romanée 96, Vosne-Romanée 99, Troigros and his two sons César and Léo before Vosne-Romanée Les Brulées 2002 and Grands- the flagship event – the ex-cellar sale of Domaine Échezeaux 1998 down in the Domaine’s histori- René Engel’s ultimate bottles. Join us for an cal underground cellar that was built in c.1900. immersion, dedicated to the wines of Domaine The journey kicked off with picking bottles that Engel, to unveil and appreciate their essence. were full of dust – they had not been touched for at least 13 years – opening the bottles with a Francesco Lee

time to B wine #4 — april 2019 a simple click wine o'clocks a proven success

hree years ago, Baghera/wines inaugurated its “wine a fun and fast way, at the right price and with a simple click. o’clock” sales, born from the observation of dial sales The tool available to buyers is a platform specially deve- Ttraditionally practiced on flower markets in Holland. loped by Baghera/wines. Easy to use and ergonomic, the More than twenty editions later, these regular Internet auc- www.bagherawines.auction website allows all passionate tions take place exclusively online and are a real success with Internet users to win the most sought-after wines in just a few amateurs and collectors of great wines. seconds. The excitement and surprise, caused by the count- The main idea of these “wine o'clocks” : auctioning great down interrupted at any time by a buyer’s click, allied to the bottles in a condensed time-lapse (a minute or so) during pleasure and the user-friendliness of the tool offer buyers a which prices gradually subside. Internet users around the singular and fun moment during which the first to click wins world have the opportunity to acquire exceptional wines in the coveted lot.

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time to B wine #4 — april 2019 wine o'clock facts, figures … and world-records clicks are chic coveted lots

82’800

78’000

61’200

46’800

36’000 34’800 33’600

26’400 ?”

1 MAGNUM — WOC#21 “DELIGHTFUL (S)WINE” “DELIGHTFUL WOC#21 — MAGNUM 1 SIR “DRINKING WOC#5 — BOTTLES 6 “FRENCH TERROIRS” WOC#4 — BOTTLES 12 15 BOTTLES— WOC#17 “MR. BORDSKY” 6 BOTTLES — WOC#21 “DELIGHTFUL (S)WINE” VALENTINE” “MY DRC WOC#9 — BOTTLES 5 “FRENCH TERROIRS” WOC#4 — BOTTLES 12 1 JEROBOAM— WOC#16 “IMMACULATE DRC”

time to B wine #4 — april 2019 The Trilogy Domaine René Engel

— room auction — 16.06.2019 — hôtel beau-rivage, geneva —

Catalogue

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credits — editors in chief : michael ganne & julie carpentier — art direction, illustration & layout : olivia bouët- willaumez (o’collectif) printed by manufacture deux-ponts (38320 bresson, fr) in april 2019 — Baghera/wines Auction & Trading SA — all rights reserved, 2019