HDH Index at Highest Level Since September 2008 Fox Cellar Auction
(Chicago, IL) – Hart Davis Hart held a highly successful wine auction this weekend in Chicago, realizing $3,777,503 in total sales against a pre-sale auction estimate of $2,380,780 -$3,557,000. Wines from Château Lafite Rothschild, Château Pétrus, Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, and Harlan Estate generated spirited bidding from US, international, private and trade buyers. An exciting selection of rare Burgundy from Armand Rousseau brought prices that soared over the high estimate ranges.
The HDH Index, which tracks the performace of fifteen key wines sold at auction, finished up 2.84% and is now up 19.42% on the year. Chateau Mouton-Rothschild continues to appreciate in value at a rapid pace. Hammer prices for the 1986 vintage rose 34% from the previous auction and have increased by a remarkable 80% this year. Château Lafite-Rothschild continues its torrid pace. The 1982 vintage brought prices as high as $45,410 per case, while the 2000 vintage brought $26,290 per case.
“The room had great energy,” said CEO Paul Hart. “Our Asian, South American, and European clients are seeing increasing competition from decidedly upbeat US buyers.”
Bidders participated from 42 states and the District of Columbia, as well as Australia, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Canada, China, Germany, France, Japan, Mexico, Puerto Rico, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom. The auction room in Chicago was packed with enthusiastic buyers who enjoyed incredible wines and great food throughout the day.
“Auction prices are again near all-time highs as the top wines in the world now have a truly global following,“ commented Chairman John Hart. “But, the story that is being largely ignored is perhaps the most important of the year… the resurgence of the US buyer.”
Top Ten Lots (inclusive of 19.5% buyer’s premium):
Lot
Wine
Estimate
Aggregate
785
1982 Château Lafite Rothschild (12 bs)
$28,000-42,000
$45,410
505
2000 Château Pétrus (12 bs)
$30,000-45,000
$41,825
501
1998 Château Pétrus (12 bs)
$18,000-28,000
$33,460
784
1982 Château Lafite Rothschild (8 bs)
$19,000-28,000
$31,070
228
Mixed Case -1999 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti: Romanée-Conti (1), La Tâche (3), Richebourg (2), Grands-Echézeaux (2), Romanée-St.-Vivant (2), Echézeaux (2)
$20,000-30,000
$26,290
34, 480, 481
2000 Château Lafite Rothschild (12 bs)
$15,000-22,000
$26,290
33
2000 Château Lafite Rothschild (11 bs)
$13,000-19,000
$22,705
175
1999 La Tâche Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (6 bs)
$12,000-18,000
$22,705
35
2000 Château Lafite Rothschild (3 dbl-mags (3L))
$15,000-22,000
$21,510
504
2000 Château Pétrus (6 bs)
$15,000-22,000
$21,510
Top Ten Lots (inclusive of 19.5% buyer’s premium):
1. Lot 2: 1982 Château Lafite Rothschild (12 bs) $45,410 (est. $28,000-$42,000)
2. Lot 3: 1982 Château Lafite Rothschild (12 bs) $45,410 (est. $28,000-42,000)
3. Lot 92: 1982 Château Pétrus (12 bs) $45,410 (est. $28,000-42,000)
4. Lot 1417: 1982 Château Lafite Rothschild (12 bs) $45,410 (est. $28,000-42,000)
5. Lot 93: 1989 Château Pétrus (12 bs) $41,825 (est. $26,000-38,000)
6. Lot 94: 1990 Château Pétrus (12 bs) $41,825 (est. $22,000-32,000)
7. Lot 1108: 1989 Château Pétrus (6 mags) $35,850 (est. $26,000-38,000)
8. Lot 1183: 1990 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Assortment (12 bs) $35,850 (est. $24,000-35,000)
9. Lot 786: 1989 Château Pétrus (12 bs) $33,460 (est. $26,000-38,000)
10.Lot 969: 2005 La Tâche Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (12 bs) $33,460 (est. $26,000-38,000)
Percent sold by lot: 100%
Hammer: $3,161,090 (132.78% to low)
Total Aggregate: $3,777,502
2010 Auction Calendar
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.