Auction brings $7.4 million, far surpassing pre-auction estimate of $4-6 million, as HDH Wine Auction Index hits all-time high
Chicago, IL – Multiple world records were shattered in Chicago on September 24th and 25th as Hart Davis Hart sold the second installment of The Fox Cellar, one of the most important single-owner wine collections ever offered.
The auction total of $7.4 million far exceeded the pre-sale estimate of $4-6 million, with 100% of the lots finding buyers. The exceptional quality and conditions of the wines brought ferocious bidding. A case of 1989 La Mission Haut Brion estimated to sell for $7,500-11,000 brought $20,315, a case of 1990 Margaux estimated at $8,000-12,000 also brought $20,315, a case of 1991 La Mouline from Guigal estimated to bring between $6,000-9,000 brought $17,925, and a case of 1982 Léoville-Las-Cases sold for $11,950 against an estimate of $3,500-5,500. The HDH Auction Index soared to an all-time high, eclipsing the former peak set in September 2008 by the first Fox Cellar auction by an incredible 25%.
“In my 30+ year career I have never seen a wine auction anywhere in the world bring such intense bidding. I was truly astonished. It speaks volumes to the importance of exceptional provenance,” said Chairman John Hart.
Bidders participated from 40 states as well as Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, France, Hong Kong, Japan, Macau, Mexico, The Netherlands, the Philippines, South Korea, Spain, Singapore, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. Asian buyers turned out in force, but North American and European bidders came out on top, accounting for the five largest invoices of the auction.
Château Lafite-Rothschild was characteristically strong, realizing $1,357,520 against a pre-sale estimate of $794,900-1,197,900, but prices were high across the board. Wines from Domaine de la Romanée-Conti brought $481,107 against an estimate of $256,400-385,400, while wines from Italy and the Rhône Valley all soared over the high estimate range. 1982 Bordeaux wines, estimated to bring $217,700-324,900, realized $397,158.
“We are honored that the consignor decided that Chicago was the best place in the world to offer this historic collection. The world took notice, with unprecedented results,” commented CEO Paul Hart.
2010 Auction Calendar
October 29 & 30, 2010
December 11, 2010
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.
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