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

Largest Single-Owner U.S. Auction of 2009 Hammers in Chicago

Hart Davis Hart sells 100% of lots realizing $4.6M at December 5th auction

(December 8, 2009 – Chicago, IL) – Hart Davis Hart capped off the year with the largest single-owner auction in the US in 2009, realizing $4,567,158 against a pre-sale auction estimate of $3,000,850-4,484,690. The headliner of the auction was a massive fifty-eight lot section of Chateau Pétrus spanning vintages 1964 through 2002 that realized $994,240 against a pre-sale estimate of $658,500 to $972,100. Ten lots alone of 1982 Petrus in various formats brought $300,184. Large sections of Latour, La Mission Haut Brion, Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Krug, and Screaming Eagle generated prices that soared above the high end of the pre-sale estimate.

hart-davis-hart-wine.jpgThe auction room in Chicago was packed and very lively as bidders competed with collectors from all over the world who participated by phone and via the Internet. Bidders participated from 40 states and the District of Columbia, as well as Brazil, Canada, China, France, Japan, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom.

“We hosted a full house during most of the auction and the buzz in the room built throughout the day,” said Vice-Chairman Michael Davis. “The market has clearly returned to a healthy state, and there continues to be strong demand for great wines like Lafite, Pétrus and Romanée-Conti.”

The eight auctions held by Hart Davis Hart in 2009 at Tru restaurant in Chicago brought $24,008,542. The firm achieved by far the highest sell-through rate in the industry at 99.85%. HDH held three single-owner auctions in 2009 totaling $9,134,939, all of which were 100% sold.

Commented Chairman John Hart: “We are honored to have sold the largest single cellar auction in the world in 2008, and now the largest single cellar auction in the US in 2009. I wish to thank all of our buyers and consignors and look forward to a highly successful 2010.”

Top Lots (inclusive of 19.5% buyer’s premium):
1982 Château Pétrus (12 bs) (Lots 340, 342, 343, 343) $38,240 (est. $24,000-$35,000)
1989 Château Pétrus (12 bs) (Lots 358, 359) $38,240 (est. $24,000-$35,000)
2000 Château Pétrus (12 bs) (Lot 381) $38,240 (est. $28,000-$42,000)
1982 Château Lafite Rothschild (12 bs) (Lot 9) $35,850 (est. $24,000-$35,000)
1982 Château Pétrus (12 bs) (Lots 341, 345) $35,850 (est. $24,000-$35,000)
1990 Château Pétrus (12 bs) (Lots 363, 365) $35,850 (est. $26,000-$38,000)
1959 Château Lafite Rothschild (12 bs) (Lot 4) $33,460 (est. $16,000-$23,000)
1997 Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon (12 bs) (Lot 764) $33,460 (est. $24,000-$35,000)
1959 Château Haut-Brion (12 bs) (Lot 95) $23,900 (est. $12,000-$18,000)

Total aggregate: $4,567,158
Percent sold by lot: 100%

2010 Auction Calendar
January 30, 2010
March 20, 2010
May 8, 2010
June 26, 2010
September 11, 2010
October 30, 2010
December 11, 2010

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.

Hart Davis Hart core services:
• Traditional Live Auctions
• Private Retail Services
• Online Sales
• Consultation

For more information on Hart Davis Hart Wine Co. or to arrange a media visit, please contact Marc Smoler at 312.482.9766, [email protected] or visit hdhwine.com