(Chicago, IL) – A single cellar auction of French Classics from a Magnificent Cellar brought heavy bidding at Hart Davis Hart in Chicago this weekend. The auction realized $2,673,549, far surpassing the pre-sale auction estimate of $1,607,600-2,412,060. Underscoring the strength of the bidding, 227 of the 590 lots hammered over the pre-sale high estimate while only 17 of the lots hammered under the low estimate. The most expensive lot of the day was a case of 1978 Montrachet from Domaine de la Romanée-Conti which brought $45,410 against a pre-sale estimate of $26,000-38,000. A large selection of rare 1959 and 1961 Bordeaux brought spirited competition between bidders in the room, on the phone, and over the Internet against a strong order book, with a case of 1961 Haut Brion realizing $23,900 against an estimate of $9,500-14,000. “A bidder who had hoped to buy a significant amount of wine today joked after the auction ‘I guess the wine recession is over’,” said Paul Hart. “While certainly this was a special auction with added interest, there does seem to be significant cause for optimism.” Bidders participated from 39 states and the District of Columbia, as well as Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Iceland, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Hart Davis Hart again saw strong interest from Internet bidders who participated from all over the world via HDHLive.com. “This was a very exciting collection that we were honored to represent,” commented Chairman John Hart. “It’s been a long time since I’ve seen such spirited competition as we saw today.”
Next Auction
May 16, 2009
Bidding Information
Auction catalogs are available through the website or by calling Hart Davis Hart hdhwine.com
Hart Davis Hart’s state-of-the-art technology allows bidders worldwide to participate in the Chicago-based auctions live via the Internet. Bidders can follow the auction in the salesroom, hear the live auction, and bid against the room, all in real-time. More details about the technology can be found at www.hdhwine.com
Bidders are encouraged to attend the auction in person, but Hart Davis Hart welcomes bids by phone, fax, through the website, and via the new live-bid technology. For more information, contact Hart Davis Hart at 312.482.9996 or go to hdhwine.com
About Hart Davis Hart Wine Co.
Hart Davis Hart Wine Co. is both a dynamic retailer and an internationally prominent wine auction house, occupying a unique position in the rare wine market. We offer collectors and restaurateurs a broad range of options for buying and selling wines, providing unrivaled expertise and personalized service.
Founded in October 2004, Hart Davis Hart represents the alliance of three highly-respected industry leaders: John Hart, Michael Davis, and Paul Hart, with a combined experience of nearly 90 years in the rare wine business. John Hart, a renowned expert, has been a leader in the rare wine retail business for over three decades. With extensive careers at Christie’s, Davis & Company, and Sotheby’s, Michael Davis and Paul Hart are the most experienced wine auctioneers in America.
Hart Davis Hart has emerged as one of the most innovative and trusted sources for rare wines in America, with over 150 years of combined experience in the specialized field of fine and rare wines. No other firm can approach their level of expertise, network of relationships, or dedication to service.