Capturing the attention of fine wine enthusiasts globally, a recent auction in Hong Kong showcased what Sotheby's describes as one of the greatest private collections of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (DRC) and Burgundy wines worldwide. Titled "The Masterpiece Collection: A Grand European Cellar," the auction exceeded expectations and set new records.
Record-Breaking Auction
The auction house had anticipated total sales of 42,500,000 Hong Kong dollars (£4.27 million). Surpassing all expectations, the high-profile event achieved total sales of 49,745,625 HKD (£5,001,715), outperforming estimates by over 17%. This successful auction included 400 lots, with 218 of them featuring esteemed wines from Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, showcasing vintages that stretch back to the 1960s.
An Exceptional Collection
The extraordinary collection comprised large formats and a range of celebrated wines, including Romanée-Conti, La Tâche, Richebourg, Romanée-St-Vivant, Grands Échezeaux, and Échezeaux. Additionally, the auction featured wines from prominent producers like Rousseau, de Vogüé, Leflaive, Drouhin, and Faiveley, as well as extensive offerings from the Hospices de Beaune.
Sourced primarily from an anonymous Swiss collector, most wines were acquired directly from the wineries' agents in Switzerland and London. Some were obtained through Sotheby’s auctions in the 1990s and 2000s, ensuring the provenance was impeccable.
Diverse Price Ranges and High Demand
The lots were estimated between 1.3m-1.9m HKD to 2,000-3,000 HKD, making it the largest online auction ever held by Sotheby's in Asia. Approximately 80% of the lots sold, with many surpassing their estimates, securing the auction’s overall success.
George Lacey, head of Sotheby's wine in Asia, commented on the rarity and meticulous care involved in assembling such a distinguished collection, stating that it is almost unparalleled in both size and quality.
Highlights of the Auction
While the lot with the highest estimate—six magnums of Romanée-Conti 1994—did not sell, several other items exceeded expectations. Notable sales included:
- A methuselah of Romanée-Conti 1983 fetching 1,062,500 HKD (£107,000)
- Six bottles of Romanée-Conti 1991 selling for 812,500 HKD (£82,000)
- Two jeroboams of La Tâche 1979 also achieving 812,500 HKD (£82,000)
- A jeroboam of Romanée-Conti 2000 fetching 750,000 HKD (£75,000)
- Six bottles of Romanée-Conti 1989 attracting a bid of 687,500 HKD (£69,000)
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