Rick Pitino was the victim of burglars earlier in the week as his St. John's basketball office was ransacked. The robbers took off with quite a bit of memorabilia. According to the New York Post, the robbery equated to about $375 worth of items, which included everything from basketballs to a bullhorn.
What wasn't initially revealed to be among the items taken was later confirmed by the man himself on Thursday. Pitino took to X where he revealed the one item that was taken which set him off the edge. That would be his 1985 6L Petrus Pomerol. The theft of that expensive bottle of wine had the famed coach "livid."
Really upset! Taking my memorabilia is one thing but the 1985 6L Petrus Pomerol has me livid!!! https://t.co/qehmu6HkLuon
— Rick Pitino (@RealPitino) August 22, 2024
A quick search suggests that a bottle dating back to the 80s could be worth up to — wait for it — $100,000. A bottle of Petrus 2000 is among the most expensive wines to ever be auctioned off as it went for $1 million, according to WorldOfFineWine.com.
What makes this French luxury wine so expensive? It's a combination of a few factors, including its exclusivity, its demand, and the reputation the chateau has developed over decades of wine-making. The wine is made from Merlot grapes and has a highly intricate process that aid in its value.
ESPN reported that the theft occurred around 8 p.m. on Tuesday and that the investigation remains ongoing. Pitino's office is located above the basketball court at Carnesecca Arena. Video was released of the two assailants leaving his office with a bullhorn and a sword that they stole from his office.
Pitino took over the Big East program last season. He guided the team to a 20-13 record and a fifth-place record in the conference. His first year had been middle of the road before the Red Storm finished the year off on a 6-1 run. Pitino will aim to build off of that momentum into the upcoming season.
He'll have to do so, though, without that Petrus Pomerol.
