The sommelier at Brush Creek Ranch, a luxurious resort in Wyoming, is preparing for the auction of two prestigious bottles of 1870 Chateau Lafite, expected to sell for over $50,000 each. These rare magnums were found in Glamis Castle in Scotland, which is famous not only for its haunted history but also for its impressive wine cellar.

Sydney Werry, the wine director at Brush Creek Ranch, expressed the rarity and historical significance of these wines, stating, “This wine is in the category of never-to-be-seen-again.” She anticipates significant interest from collectors at the Sotheby’s auction, with the potential for bids to exceed expectations due to the wine’s legacy.

Glamis Castle has a storied past, once being home to Mary, Queen of Scots, and known for inspiring Shakespeare’s "Macbeth." The 13th Earl of Strathmore acquired the Lafite bottles and laid them down in the cellar in 1878, only to be forgotten for decades. It wasn’t until 1971 that the wines were rediscovered by Michael Broadbent during a visit intended for the auction of "The Finest and Rarest Wines From Private Cellars." His subsequent tasting of the wines revealed their remarkable quality as they matured over the years.

Werry’s experiences with various vintages of Lafite reveal a complexity that transcends simple descriptions. She characterizes the flavor profiles as evoking not just specific fruits but also a sense of place and experience, making each sip an exploration of depth and nuance.

Wine auctions are known for their energetic environments, often much livelier than anticipated. Werry noted that participants might sample from lots during bidding, promoting a spirited atmosphere as people enjoy the wine and show off their personal collections.

The interest in the 1870 vintage is heightened by its status as a pre-phylloxera wine, crafted before the devastating vine disease prompted substantial changes in vineyard practices in the late 19th century. This historical significance, coupled with its status as a first-growth wine, adds to its celebrated reputation.

While Brush Creek Ranch continuously seeks to enhance its extensive wine collection, Werry does not foresee purchasing at this particular auction, focusing instead on maintaining a diverse inventory that appeals to varying tastes and budgets.

The auction of such a remarkable wine collection serves as a reminder of wine’s rich history and the extraordinary stories that accompany each bottle. This fascination with aged vintages, as noted by Werry, encompasses not just the appreciation of the wines themselves but the tradition and storytelling woven into their production and legacy.