Martell and Christies launch rare XXO Cognac with a special dinner at Philip Colbert’s residence

By Donna Richardson

You rarely get an invite to see inside a famous artist’s home, especially Philip and Charlotte Colbert’s. Since Philip is known as the godson of Andy Warhol, I knew it would be a very interesting evening in store when the famous cognac brand Martell invited me to a dinner at the Colbert Residence in East London’s Spitalfields, and I couldn’t pass it up.

I stepped out of my cab outside the Lobster Monger shop and was welcomed into the Colbert residence next door. Immediately, I sensed this would be a unique experience as I entered past a yellow car with a lobster sculpture as a passenger.

As I walked up the stairs, I couldn’t help but notice Philip’s trademark art alongside various objects d’art. I climbed the spiral staircase and found a theatrical cloakroom at the top, where an attendant graciously took my coat and bags so I could mingle freely.

The Colbert residence is a fantastic space for events, so it is no wonder that the French luxury brand Martell hosted this evening’s dinner to launch their latest tipple and publicise the auction. I immediately spotted Martell’s cellar-master, Christophe Vaultaud, whom I had met just a month before in Cognac at Maison Martell’s ancestral home of Chateau Chanteloup. It was great to catch up with him again, and then I was introduced to Tim Tiptree from Christie’s and Baccarat’s curator, Michaela Lerch and other people in the world of luxury and art.

The ambience felt like we were transported into an English country garden. Old met new as we discovered unique art pieces which adorned the lobby of this artist’s residence. As I went upstairs, I encountered more of Philip and Charlotte’s art in a gallery filled with eclectic and modern sculptures, including his famous lobster figures. However, the evening’s star attraction was an exquisite decanter crafted by Baccarat, filled with Martell XXO Martell 72 Years Old Grande Champagne featuring over 12,000 eaux-de-vie. This will be part of Christie’s Fine and Rare Wines & Spirits online sale, featuring Ancient Cognac and Part II of The Historical Vintage Port from the Cellars of Raby Castle, from November 22 to December 6.

This was a union of great masters, all of whom were established during the reign of King Louis XV of France. Martell has been around since 1715, Baccarat since 1764, and Christie’s has displayed some of the world’s rarest wines and spirits since its founding auction in 1766. It seems fitting that Martell 72 Years Old Grande Champagne is next in line for presentation.

Tim Triptree MW, Christie’s International Director of Wines & Spirits, said: “Christie’s Wines and Spirits department is delighted to offer this rare and exceptional Martell 72 Years Old Grande Champagne cognac as a highlight of our online fortified wines and spirits sale from 22 November – 6 December in London. As the oldest of the great cognac houses, Maison Martell’s distinction is unparalleled. We look forward to presenting this unique bottle, meticulously crafted by the world-renowned Cristallerie Baccarat in a handmade crystal decanter, to our collectors worldwide.”

This exceptional cognac, born from a single eau-de-vie from the prestigious Grande Champagne terroir, has matured over seven decades in Martell’s cellars. Originally stored in Maison Martell’s historic cellars at the Port du Lys, it was later transferred to two other cellars before finding its place in the renowned Jean Martell cellar reserved for the oldest and rarest eau-de-vie. The liquid is housed in a Baccarat crystal decanter with gold accents, befitting the rare blend within. Sixteen Baccarat artisans, some of whom are Meilleurs Ouvriers de France, collaborated to create this masterpiece, which took six days to complete. The hand-painted motifs of intertwined vine leaves and shoots in gold and enamel, along with the crystal stopper engraved with the Martell coat of arms, make it a true work of art, encased in a handcrafted wooden box adorned with intricate marquetry of grapevines.

We then went to the living space, and I marvelled at the wonderful high ceilings and walls filled with Philip and Charlotte’s art. The eye coffee table particularly struck me as I made my way to the dining room, which was exquisitely prepared for our party of 16.

We enjoyed a delectable three-course meal with wine served in exquisite Baccarat glasses during the evening. We began with a light starter and fine white wine, which perfectly complemented it. We then progressed to a beef dish accompanied by red wine. Then, for dessert, we finally got to taste this unique cognac in a gold Baccarat glass paired with a delicious light and airy pudding.

The Grande Champagne terroir from which it originates inspires a floral nose punctuated by acacia honey and orange blossom aromas. On the palate, notes of fresh tobacco, tart citrus and white cedar are accompanied by a remarkable silken sensation. It creates an immediate impression of aromatic richness, fullness and perfect balance – all defining characteristics of Grande Champagne and of a perfectly managed ageing process. In the words of Martell Cellar Master Christophe Valtaud, “This collaboration with Christie’s and Baccarat once again illustrates Maison Martell’s capacity to elevate cognac to a luxury product that responds to the needs of a demanding clientele of collectors and connoisseurs.”

Throughout the evening, we relished Christophe’s company, who shared insights about the drink and how he blends it. Recalling our last meeting at Château de Chanteloup during a dinner prepared by Alexandre Mazzia, it was wonderful to reconnect.

During the evening, we learned that when the bottle goes on sale at Christie’s, it will include a special invitation to Château de Chanteloup in Cognac, allowing the buyer to witness how it is crafted and enjoy the legendary Martell hospitality.

The successful Martell 72-year-old Grande Champagne bidder at the Christie’s auction will receive this one-of-a-kind cognac and a once-in-a-lifetime experience at Maison Martell in Cognac. This is an incredible property with free-roaming deer on the grounds of a 16th century mansion. This includes an exclusive tasting masterclass with Martell Cellar Master Christophe Vaultaud, a unique gastronomic experience co-created with Michelin three-star chef Alexandre Mazzia, and an enchanting one-night stay at the historic Château de Chanteloup, once-home to the Martell family.

But this evening was another example of Martell’s exquisite hospitality, as they teamed up with some of the finest names in luxury to bring you this unique, one-of-a-kind bottle of fine cognac.

Christie’s Fine and Rare Wines & Spirits Online sale runs from November 22 to December 6 and showcases Martell 72 Years Old Grande Champagne Cognac.

Further information – www.onlineonly.christies.com