Story perspectives

Czech Castle Unveils $5M Historic Chateau d’Yquem Bottles

6/4/2026

Summary

Story summary

Chateau d'Yquem restored eight historic bottles hidden beneath Becov nad Teplou castle, producing five full original bottles for exhibition.
Cellar master Toni El Khawand authenticated the wine with laboratory tests and a brief tasting.
The wine’s high sugar content allowed it to survive decades underground before oxidation required re-bottling.
Czech officials, citing a $5 million valuation by the Czech National Heritage Institute, will exhibit the bottles rather than auction them.

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Story summary

Chateau d'Yquem restored eight historic bottles hidden beneath Becov nad Teplou castle, producing five full original bottles for exhibition.
Cellar master Toni El Khawand authenticated the wine with laboratory tests and a brief tasting.
The wine’s high sugar content allowed it to survive decades underground before oxidation required re-bottling.
Czech officials, citing a $5 million valuation by the Czech National Heritage Institute, will exhibit the bottles rather than auction them.