An Auction of Finest and Rarest Wines Including an Outstanding Selection from a Prominent Restaurant brought the attention of bidders from all over the world to Chicago this weekend. The room was nearly full with active bidders from around the world including strong participation on the Internet and telephones. The competition was robust throughout the day for wines across all categories, and an astonishing 78% of the lots either met or exceeded the high end of the pre-auction estimates. 1971 DRC offerings attracted frenzied bidding. The most expensive lot of the day included 6 bottles of 1971 Romanée-Conti which brought $59,750 (est. $30,000-45,000). A case of 1982 Château Pétrus achieved $38,240 (est. $19,000-28,000) and four cases of 1982 Lafite-Rothschild sold to the same Asian buyer for $33,460 each (est. $14,000-20,000).
Bidders participated from 39 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, as well as Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Iceland, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, the Philippines, Singapore, Switzerland, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, and Venezuela.
“This was the heaviest day of bidding we have seen since the Fox Cellar,” said President and CEO Paul Hart. “The market has continued to strengthen this year with each successive auction. We have seen strong interest from all major markets including the US, Asia, Europe, and South America.”
During the first half of 2009, Hart Davis Hart held five wine auctions in Chicago, bringing $12,566,715 against a total estimate for the season of $7,674,370-11,495,950. HDH sold an industry-leading 99.7% of its lots.
Commented Chairman John Hart: “This sale was a fitting end to an excellent first half of 2009. We wish to thank all of our consignors and bidders worldwide and look forward to an exciting fall season.”
Top Ten Lots (inclusive of 19.5% buyer’s premium):
1. Lot 243: 1971 Romanée-Conti (6 bs)
$59,750 (est. $30,000-45,000)
2. Lot 239: 1971 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Assortment (12 bs)
$41,825 (est. $24,000-35,000)
3. Lot 89: 1982 Château Pétrus (12 bs)
$38,240 (est. $19,000-28,000)
4. Lot 238: 1971 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Assortment (12 bs)
$38,240 (est. $24,000-35,000)
5. Lot 240: 1971 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Assortment (12 bs)
$38,240 (est. $24,000-35,000)
6. Lot 241: 1971 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Assortment (12 bs)
$35,850 (est. $24,000-35,000)
7. Lot 246: 1971 La Tâche (6 mags)
$35,850 (est. $12,000-18,000)
8. Lot 72: 1982 Château Lafite-Rothschild (12 bs)
$33,460 (est. $14,000-20,000)
9. Lot 73: 1982 Château Lafite-Rothschild (12 bs)
$33,460 (est. $14,000-20,000)
10. Lot 74: 1982 Château Lafite-Rothschild (12 bs)
$33,460 (est. $14,000-20,000)
Total aggregate: $2,831,828
Percent sold by lot: 100%
Upcoming Auction Calendar
September 12, 2009
October 24, 2009
December 5, 2009
Bidding Information
Auction catalogs are available through the website or by calling Hart Davis Hart (hdhwine.com; 312.482.9996.) The expanded website allows bidders to view and search the auction catalog and place absentee bids online.
Hart Davis Hart’s state-of-the-art technology allows bidders worldwide to participate in the Chicago-based live auctions 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 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.