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Unicorn Wine: What Makes Wine a Unicorn & 10 Best Bottles
There’s nothing quite like sipping on one of the rarest and most exceptional wines on the market, so it’s easy to see why these are referred to as “unicorn wines.” These extraordinary wines are an investment in finer living and will score a sacred place in the hearts of any sommelier.
Entertaining powerhouse, Fran Berger, applies her expert knowledge in sophisticated living to help her clients create iconic experiences out of everyday moments. Through years of perfecting her craft, Fran offers her statement-making magic to introduce products - like this impressive list of unique and rare wines - into your home to infuse each day with moments of luxury.
So, what are unicorn wines and which ones should you add to your collection? Let’s delve in.
What is Unicorn Wine?
Inspired by the ethereal creature, unicorn wines are considered to be works of art and statement pieces for your dining experience.
What makes these wines so uncommon and sought after isn’t only about the flavors or age of the wine. Below are some of the other (unofficial) criteria to keep in mind when searching for a unicorn wine.
- Production size: Unicorn wines are produced in small batches of only 200 cases or less. Obtaining a bottle that is low in production numbers can certainly make it a diamond in the rough.
- Rarity: You won’t find these bottles on the shelves of your nearest Total Wine. Likely due to the production size or type of blend crafted, these wines are often harder to find, so they’re more typically seen at special events or exclusive tastings for avid wine connoisseurs.
- Price: A high price tag doesn’t necessarily mean a better quality wine. Unicorn wines can range broadly in price, giving you the option to choose a wine that best fits your budget.
- Winemaker: Wines made by famous vintners who have retired or passed away become more scarce, making them collectible and highly valued.
10 Best Unicorn Wines
1995 Sine Qua Non 'Queen of Hearts' Rose (Sine Qua Non 'Queen of Hearts' Rose 1995 ($96,805)
With only 25 cases made (300 bottles), the Sine Qua Non “Queen of Hearts’ Rose was never meant to be released to the market. Connoisseurs consider this rarity to be a collector’s work of art, with prices up to over $90,000 a bottle. This unicorn wine is a true statement piece for the most passionate wine collectors and connoisseurs.
1993 Domaine Leroy Musigny Grand Cru ($44,633)
Produced from the vineyard’s own grapes, the Domaine Leroy portrays a terrific bouquet of vibrant, floral flavors with a round, berry fruit. Prices for this unicorn wine vary, ranging anywhere from $1000 to over $40,000 - and are usually reserved for the most special occasion.
1921 Château Cheval Blanc ($39,599)
According to Château Cheval Blanc, 1921 was such a spectacular wine because the heat allowed the sugars to concentrate and vinify in the grapes, providing a remarkable harvest that season. The result is a unique wine with aromas of leather and fruit, a sensational sweetness.
1821 Grand Constance ($26,198)
This highly prized wine was once destined to be part of an exclusive collection of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. It is considered one of the most notable bottles of wine to date, recently selling for a record-breaking price of R420 000 or just under $25,000 at the Cape Fine & Rare Wine Auction.
1907 Heidsieck & Co Monopole Gout Americain Brut ($2,049)
Known as the infamous “shipwreck Champagne”, the 1907 Heidsieck is an old and complex sparkling wine. Found deep in the Baltic Sea, having sunk with the Jonkoping shipwreck, this Brut takes rare to a new level. It is still available, though in minimal quantities, so if you have the opportunity to get your hands on a bottle, you’ll have the rare experience of enjoying a glass.
1929 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Les Gaudichots ($27,073)
One of the more expensive investments in unicorn wines, the 1929 Domaine de la Romanee-Conti Les Gaudichots has an average price of $26,000. This Pinot Noir is known to have intense aromas and flavors of sweet and red cherry and is so rare that even top collectors don’t dare to open it.
2002 Domaine Leflaive Montrachet Grand Cru ($7,760)
This white wine is buttery and smooth, with scents of the salty sea and leaves notes of citrus and lime on the palette. This is a fabulous wine to indulge all of your senses in for an incomparable experience.
1985 Marius Gentaz-Dervieux Côte Rôtie Côte Brune ($3,744)
Marius Gentaz farmed his tiny 1.2-hectare domain from 1952 until 1993. He passed away in 2011, which increased the value of his already highly sought-after wines. The 1985, like Gentaz’s other wines, is praised for both its quality and rarity. Enjoy its deep, velvety texture on the most intimate of occasions.
1990 Coche-Dury Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru ($10,090)
Made from Chardonnay grapes, this white wine is fermented in Corton Grand Cru, Côte de Beaune, Bourgogne, France. Its earthy and mineral tones are often mentioned when describing the taste. This bottle of unicorn wine will elevate your evening with every sip.
2010 Domaine Jacques-Frédéric Mugnier Clos de la Maréchale ($287)
Regarded as a benchmark for that vineyard, this newer aged unicorn wine is elegant and pure in taste, with hints of red pinot fruits. This is perfect for those interested in elevating their home dining and guest entertaining experiences.
Find Your Perfect Unicorn
Unforgettable moments start with the right glass of wine in hand. From welcoming guests into your new space to celebrating a monumental occasion, a bottle of unicorn wine can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
From sourcing the finest wines to selecting the right glassware to enjoy them in, there are so many ways to elevate the everyday moments in our lives and make them extraordinary. Fran Berger is dedicated to inspiring her clients to curate beautiful and luxurious experiences in their homes that feel authentic to the way they dream of living. Find more expert advice for elevating your daily rituals and creating luxury in life’s simple moments by ordering your copy of “The Catalog’, Fran’s collection of home entertaining pieces, and expert tips
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