Armand de Brignac Trilogy Set
For wine lovers
Penfold’s 2012 Grange Imperial
Australian winemaker Penfolds has just released a 6-litre bottle of Shiraz with a price tag of AUS$185,000 (£115,000). So what makes it so special? Each bottle of this rare vintage is stored in a ‘rare and refined’ crystal decanter made by French glassmaker Saint-Louis, which holds the equivalent of eight regular-sized bottles of wine. There is a smaller version available too, the £1,200 Aevum crystal decanter, also by Saint-Louis, which comes with a 750ml bottle of the 2012 Grange. Its 2008 version, launched three years ago, earned a perfect 100 score from Robert Parker’s US wine magazine, ‘Wine Advocate’.
The 6-litre version is available exclusively from the Magill Estate Cellar Door, South Australia. The 750ml version is available globally from select retailers and wine merchants.
Armand de Brignac Trilogy Set
All three variants of the striking Armand de Brignac signature range look simply stunning, so if you can’t decide between them, there is now a limited edition gift set available. Presented in a polished black wooden case, the set includes Armand de Brignac Brut Gold NV 75cl, Armand de Brignac Rose NV 75cl and 75cl Armand de Brignac Blanc de Blancs NV 75cl. The bottles look so good; you almost don’t want to open them. However, you’d be missing a treat: Armand de Brignac (also known as ‘Ace of Spades’) is produced by the Cattier family estate, owners of champagne vineyards since 1763 and widely recognised as one of the world’s best champagne makers.
Available from selected retailers globally or online at: www.thechampagnecompany.com for £1,150.
Perrier Jouët Belle Epoque Edition Automne 2005
One can never say no to a glass of Perrier Jouet, and this exclusive cuvée has only recently been released, making it an ideal gift. Presented with a typically pretty design of swirling pink anenomes, the autumn edition of this pink champagne is sure to delight. Blending Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, the champagne offers notes of various berries, orange, sour cherry, spice and cream on the nose. Designed by Emile Gallé in 1902, the flowers featured on the bottle are a link to the brand’s love of Japan.
Available globally from departments stores and wine merchants or at www.champagnedirect.co.uk for £175.
For gadget fans
Clearaudio Statement v2 Turntable
The world may be going digital, but some of us are still die-hard LP fanatics who miss the romance of vinyl. The retro-futuristic Clearaudio Statement v2 offers the best of both worlds, past and future. Towering in its metallic glory, this turntable will turn heads with its uber cool, architectural styling and flawless audio quality. Deemed by many experts to be ‘the finest turntable in the world’, its four stainless steel legs, separated and supported by eight curved supports, feature a sandwich construction of aluminium plates filled with Panzerholz, a high-density bulletproof manufactured wood renowned for its acoustic damping properties.
Available from select online retailers including www.stoneaudio.co.uk for £113,000.
GoPro VR Camera Rig Omni
Omni is a camera rig, designed to hold six GoPro HD Hero 4 Black cameras, enabling users to capture seamless, 360-degree footage, for virtual reality (VR) or on-screen playback. Inside this super gadget is a motherboard that ensures pixel-perfect sync between the six cameras, thereby eliminating ghosting or poor stitching in the post-production process. The full package includes six Hero 4 Black cameras, the cube-shaped metal housing, and all the hardware and software that you need to film and stitch your 360-degree footage. Ideal for skiers, boarders, hikers, climbers or simply those who love to have the latest tech.
Available from major global retailers and online at www.selfridges.com for £495.
Available from www.gopro.com for £4,200 (full package).
Bugatti Diva Espresso Machine
The Bugatti Diva would look fantastic in any kitchen, with its sleek and sturdy chrome design. A 15-bar pump allows for one or two cups of coffee at a time and it can be used with either ground coffee or pods. A dial gauge marked with coffee and steam readings indicates when the machine is ready for your desired function and the built-in frother froths or steams milk for speciality coffee drinks such as lattes and cappuccinos.
For someone special
For her…
Ladies’ Breguet Perles Impériales watch
Available in white or red gold, the ovoid case of the new Perles Impériales is surrounded with 23 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 4.12-carats) and a perfect Akoya pearl. The dial in engine-turned natural mother-of-pearl is enhanced by a flange set with 66 brilliant-cut diamonds and the Breguet medallion at 12 o‘clock. This is truly a timepiece fit for a queen.
Available from the Breguet flagship store in Paris and selected retailers worldwide, for approx. £80,900.
De Beers Arpeggia One-Line 18-carat white-gold and diamond necklace
De Beers has designed a real beauty with the Arpeggia One-Line. Inspired by musical notes, every diamond is a unique size and scintillates along a carefully created micro-pavé thread. The brilliant diamonds sparkle against the 18-carat, white-gold setting. A simple yet sophisticated choice, it will match well with just about any outfit and is guaranteed to be a hit with the lucky lady who receives it.
Available from selected global retailers or online from www.selfridges.com for £31,100.
©Selfridges
For him…
Gentleman’s Franck Muller Vanguard Tourbillon Skeleton watch
The art of skeletonisation – stripping back the components – is widely recognised as the highest form of decoration in watchmaking, and Franck Muller is undoubtedly one of the best in the business. With the Vanguard Tourbillon, maximum skeletonisation has been achieved but with absolutely no compromise on movement stability, thanks to the astute craftsmanship. Not only is it technically superior, its sleek lines make it a modern classic.
See www.franckmuller.com for a list of authorised stockists worldwide (price on application).
Tateossian faceted emerald and diamond cufflinks
Described as “a collectible piece for the man who has everything”, these Tateossian Rare Stones cufflinks mark the height of luxury and style and make an exceptional Christmas gift for someone special. Designed in polished 18-carat yellow gold, the handsome design is set with faceted emeralds in a sparkling diamond surround – the perfect accessory to go with any special occasion.
Available from Harrods in-store or online at www.harrods.com for £9,000.