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In truth, there is little that is impulsive about it. The collection was begun in 1990, with the majority of Italian and Burgundy wines acquired directly on release, reflecting a long-term, non-speculative approach to collecting. The wines were chosen with the intention of being opened, followed and shared over time, rather than by label or rank. Additional purchases were made through a respected Swiss merchant, and a small number of parcels were sourced at auction in Paris during the early years of collecting, the greater part of which was dispersed prior to 2002.
What emerges just as clearly as the method behind the buying is the pleasure he takes in following wines over time. He spoke easily about bottles revisited years later, often in good company. We were fortunate to share with him a bottle of 2016 Bartolo Mascarello Langhe Nebbiolo, opened a decade after release. Drawn from a vintage that would later achieve near-mythical status for Bartolo Mascarello’s Barolo, examples of which are included in this sale, the wine, once considered an entry point to the domaine, has since become something of a cult object (lot 240). It neatly illustrated the collector’s instinct for spotting quality without worrying too much about labels.
This curiosity extends beyond vintages to the human stories behind the wines. Nowhere is this more apparent than in Barolo, a region he described, with affectionate humour, as prone to "family rivalries... like the French", where divisions within families have shaped some of its most important domaines. A well-known example is the split of the Conterno family. Giovanni Conterno continued the traditionalist lineage at Giacomo Conterno, producing Monfortino, while his brother Aldo Conterno established Poderi Aldo Conterno, pursuing a distinct and independent path. The presence in this collection of both Giacomo Conterno Monfortino and Poderi Aldo Conterno Riserva Speciale serves as a quiet but telling story, wines born of shared heritage, later separated by family division, yet brought together here by the collector. (Lots 140-141 & 165-171)
Much of the character of the cellar is revealed in this affection for Barolo, its traditions, rivalries and long horizons. The collection is equally grounded in Burgundy. He remarked, with typically French conviction, that one tends to choose between Bordeaux and Burgundy, and that for him the decision was made early. The cellar includes a considered selection of Burgundy wines, including examples from Clos de Vougeot. (lots 1-3, 5-6, 12, 26, 31)
12-02-2026 | Fine & Rare Wines: The Dublin Cellar of a French Collector
Since 2002, the remaining collection has been housed in Dublin, stored horizontally in a dedicated below-ground cellar. The cellar has been carefully organised and consistently maintained, in keeping with the owner’s methodical approach to provenance and storage.
A selection of bottles has been sampled prior to cataloguing, all showing good levels and excellent visual appearance. Condition of the lots is noted for guidance purposes only.
For confidential advice regarding this auction or to discuss selling Fine Wine, Champagne, Port, Spirits, or Vintage Cigars in future sales, please contact:
Conor Barry | conor@adams.ie
Adam Pearson | adam.pearson@adams.ie
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John ffrench was an instrumental figure in the design industry in Ireland and a distinguished pioneer of Irish studio pottery.
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"I should declare my hand. I have a weakness for pictures that punch above their physical weight, and for artists who have been quietly underrated for too long. This pair is both. They are intimate enough to live with at close quarters and serious enough to repay any amount of looking. If the market has lately shown signs of catching up with eighteenth-century Irish painting and I think it has, these two small panels feel, to me, like exactly the sort of thing that will look obvious in twenty years’ time."
Adam’s is honoured to present works from the collection of Lord Rossmore in the upcoming Country House Collections auction at Howth Castle on 28th April. It is seldom that an influential Irish family collection that has survived through the generations comes to the open market.
Works Sold at Adam’s Now in the Irish National Collection
A great opportunity to purchase both established and lesser-known artist’s work at an accessible price point, the Online Picture Auction is the first of many sales to be hosted at Adam’s in 2026. It is perfect for those looking to start a collection and the discerning collector alike.
Through this article, let our expert Adam Pearson guiding you to the (re)discovery of the once established Irish painter Richard O’Neill.
Buying at Auction and the Role of Antiques in a Modern Home
Important Irish Art Auction Highlights
Oliver Dowling Collection by Aidan Dunne
2024 is a year in which Adam’s wants to recognise the key role buying antique furniture and furnishings at auction contributes greatly to the sustainable initiative. In 2019 the Environmental Protection Agency reported stark figures that each year in Ireland 1.2 million reusable bulky items, primarily furniture goes into landfill. Similar to the problem of ‘fast fashion’, the constant production and consumption of new items is leading to rapidly growing waste problem. We want to acknowledge those who are already buying second hand or antique furniture at auction and to encourage new buyers by highlighting the benefits of acquiring affordable, well-made quality items that are built to last.
Irish author, recipe creator and lifestyle influencer, Indy Parsons, selects her favourite pieces from our upcoming Fine Jewellery & Watches auction
James Adam & Sons Ltd, Fine Art Auctioneers and Valuers, 26 St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2,
D02 X665, Ireland
