Rare wines stolen from French Laundry recovered in North Carolina

YOUNTVILLE, Calif. (KABC) -- The majority of wine stolen from the renowned French Laundry restaurant in Yountville on Christmas night has been recovered in Greensboro, North Carolina.

The wine from Chef Thomas Keller's French Laundry was found after weeks of investigation, analysis of forensic evidence, and numerous interviews by Napa County sheriff's detectives.

The 76 bottles, with an estimated value of $300,000, were found in a private cellar, but who took it remains a mystery. Winery owners use laser and digital technology on its corks and capsules to curb counterfeiting and theft.

Sheriff's officials did not publicly disclose who had the wine in North Carolina. No arrests have been made.

The Napa County Sheriff's Office will be working with both state and federal law enforcement authorities to follow up on leads developed in the case.

The stolen wine included Domaine de la Romane-Conti, a single bottle of which can cost up to $10,000. An online wine list shows the bottles sell for $3,250 to $7,950 at the restaurant. Screaming Eagle wines, one of the most highly sought-after American wines, were also stolen.

The famed restaurant, twice named the best in the world by Restaurant Magazine, had closed one day earlier for a six-month kitchen remodel.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.