Auction PR Publicity Announcements News and Information
Auction PR Publicity Announcements News and Information

Hart Davis Hart Dominates US Wine Auction Market in 2018 With $77 Million Sold, Live Auctions Up 39%

Hart Davis Hart concluded a record-breaking 2018 with a massive three-day Auction of Finest & Rarest Wines held on December 13th, 14th, and 15th. The sale brought HDH’s live auction totals to a record $67.9 million. This makes Hart Davis Hart the largest seller of fine wines at auction in the United States and 2018 the most successful year in the company’s history. Over the course of the year, HDH realized the highest prices in the industry while maintaining a 100% sell-through rate. The Chicago based wine auction house has been the US market leader since 2010 and continues to push boundaries and raise the market standard.

CEO Paul Hart commented: “2018 has been the most successful year for us and we are incredibly grateful to our bidders and consignors who have helped make that possible. The fine wine market is strong and growing, and we are honored to be leading auction house in the U.S. for another year.”

HDH’s December sale saw a record number of bidders spanning four continents. Selling 100% of the 3,377 lots, their final auction of 2018 realized $11,385,841 against presale estimates of $7.5-11.2 million, with over 54% of all lots meeting or exceeding their high-estimates. Red and White Burgundy performed well, realizing $6.2 million against presale estimates of $4.1-6.1 million. Highlights included 6 bottles of 1990 Vosne-Romanée, Cros Parantoux, Henri Jayer which sold for $77,675 (lot 2906, est. $50,000-75,000); 6 bottles of 1995 Romanée-Conti, Domaine de la Romanée-Conti which brought in $95,600 (lot 1598, est. $60,000-90,000); 6 magnums of 1996 Chambertin, Armand Rousseau which garnered $59,750 (lot 780, est. $32,000-48,000); and 6 bottles of 2015 La Tâche, Domaine de la Romanée-Conti which sold for $45,410 (lot 2925, est. $17,000-26,000).

HDH also saw strong prices with Red Bordeaux, California Cabernet Sauvignon, and Italian wines. Some highlights included 12 bottles of 1985 Sassicaia, Tenuta San Guido which sold for $26,290 (lot 2616, est. $15,000-22,000); 12 bottles of 1990 Château Angelus which garnered $10,755 (lot 141, est. $4,200-6,500); and 6 bottles of 2001 Harlan Estate Red Wine which brought in $10,157 (lot 243, est. $4,500-6,500).

HDH emphasized its position as the #1 wine auction house in the U.S. with this phenomenal sale. In addition, the firm achieved the industry’s highest sell-through rate – not one of the 19,548 lots offered this year was passed. The company brought internet auctions to the next level with ground breaking mobile auctions powered by their industry-best online and mobile bidding platform. Mobile auctions at HDH are now the most dynamic and exciting way to sell wines online. By offering impeccably sourced wines, reaching global bidders, and providing the best service in the industry, HDH has once again achieved market-leading results.

Top Lots by Price (inclusive of 19.5% buyer’s premium):
Lot 1598: 1995 Romanée-Conti, Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (6 bs) (est. $60,000-90,000) $95,600
Lot 2906: 1990 Vosne-Romanée, Cros Parantoux, Henri Jayer (6 bs) (est. $50,000-75,000) $77,675
Lot 780: 1996 Chambertin, Armand Rousseau (6 mags) (est. $32,000-48,000) $59,750
Lot 2924: 2015 Romanée-Conti, Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (3 bs) (est. $35,000-55,000) $59,750
Lot 2529: 1995 Bonnes-Mares, Georges Roumier (12 bs) (est. $32,000-48,000) $53,775
Lot 2699: 2007 Romanée-St-Vivant, Domaine Leroy (12 bs) (est. $26,000-38,000) $53,775
Lot 2764: 2010 Romanée-Conti, Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (3 bs) (est. $35,000-55,000) $53,775
Lot 1561: 1995 Richebourg, Domaine Leroy (12 bs) (est. $38,000-55,000) $50,190
Lot 1582: 1995 Echézeaux, Henri Jayer for Georges Jayer (12 bs) (est. $35,000-55,000) $47,800
Lot 71: 2001 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Assortment, Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (12 bs) (est. $28,000-42,000) $45,410
Lot 2925: 2015 La Tâche, Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (6 bs) (est. $17,000-26,000) $45,410
Lot 2518: 2000 Romanée-Conti, Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (3 bs) (est. $30,000-45,000) $45,410
Lot 1605: 1995 La Tâche, Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (12 bs) (est. $32,000-48,000) $45,410
Top Lots to Exceed Estimates (inclusive of 19.5% buyer’s premium):
Lot 2925: 2015 La Tâche, Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (6 bs) (est. $17,000-26,000) $45,410
Lot 2699: 2007 Romanée-St-Vivant, Domaine Leroy (12 bs) (est. $26,000-38,000) $53,775
Lot 780: 1996 Chambertin, Armand Rousseau (6 mags) (est. $32,000-48,000) $59,750
Lot 2877: 2015 La Romanée, Comte Liger-Belair (3 bs) (est. $11,000-17,000) $28,680
Lot 3231: 1971 Clos de la Roche, Domaine Dujac (3 bs) (est. $3,500-5,500) $16,730
Lot 49: 1990 Barolo Riserva, Brunate, Giuseppe Rinaldi (12 bs) (est. $4,200-6,500) $14,340
Lot 1600: 1995 Romanée-St-Vivant, Sylvain Cathiard (12 bs) (est. $2,400-3,500) $10,157
Lot 3267: 1969 Chambertin, Domaine Trapet (6 bs) (est. $1,200-1,800) $8,365
Lot 2406: 2007 La Tâche, Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (1 jeroboam (3L)) (est. $10,000-15,000) $21,510
Lot 1848: 1942 La Tâche, Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (1 b) (est. $3,500-5,500) $11,352

Sale Stats
Percent sold by lot: 100%
Total Aggregate: $11,385,841
Low Pre-Sale Estimate: $7,507,820
High Pre-Sale Estimate: $11,212,910

Auction Calendar
January 17 & 18, 2019 (mobile only)
February 16, 2019
March 15, 2019 (mobile only)

About Hart Davis Hart Wine Co.
Hart Davis Hart Wine Co. is the #1 wine auction house in the U.S. and a leading online retailer, occupying a unique position in the rare wine market. HDH provides unrivaled expertise and personalized service to collectors and the wine trade, offering a broad range of options for buying and selling wine. The company was founded in October 2004 by our team of the most experienced professionals in the wine industry and quickly became a trusted source for rare wine. Today, HDH is helmed by Paul Hart (Chairman & CEO), and Ben Nelson (President). Paul began his career at Christie’s Wine Department and held executive positions at Davis & Company and Sotheby’s. As part of their commitment to superior service, Hart Davis Hart spearheaded the development of their online bidding platform, which is the most sophisticated system of its kind. Released in March of 2015, the mobile app and auction website allow users to place absentee and live bids from anywhere. Hart Davis Hart’s dedication to innovation has made the firm the industry leader in terms of technology, service, and expertise.
For more information on Hart Davis Hart Wine Co. or to arrange a media visit, please contact Sophia Springer at 312.324.0951, [email protected] or visit hdhwine.com