December auction brings $7.2 million; Yearly auction totals up 63% to $39.2 million
(December 14, 2010 – Chicago, IL) – Hart Davis Hart finished off the most successful year in its history with a strong two-day December auction, bringing $7,178,568 against a pre-sale auction estimate of $4,422,730-$6,629,145. Lafite-Rothschild was the headliner once again, accounting for $2,263,031 of the total sold while consistently soaring over the high end estimate range. Château Pétrus brought big numbers, realizing $352,884 against a pre-sale estimate of $187,500-$278,600.
The auction-goers who packed the room on Saturday enjoyed the generosity of consignors Grae Verlin and Dr. Jerry Murphy, who served the guests at Tru creative parings such as Salon Champagne with truffle French fries. The happy crowd showed their appreciation by competing aggressively with collectors from all over the world who bid by phone and via the Internet. Bidders participated from 40 states as well as Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom.
“The buzz in the auction room on Saturday was tremendous,” commented CEO Paul Hart. “It was fitting that longtime HDH friends Grae and Dr. Murphy provided the final two consignments of our most successful year of all time and that we were able to celebrate with them.”
The seven auctions held by Hart Davis Hart in 2010 brought $39,158,806, a 63% increase over 2009, making Hart Davis Hart the largest seller of fine wines at auction in the United States in only its sixth year of existence. The firm achieved by far the highest sell-through rate in the industry, passing only 2 of 10,281 lots offered. Six of the seven auctions were 100% sold. Demand for fine wines rebounded sharply in 2010 as the HDH Auction Index of realized prices rose 36%. In addition, Hart Davis Hart’s highly successful retail sales division saw retail consignments rise by 30% year over year.
On December 9th, Hart Davis Hart held its annual charity event, raising $100,000 to benefit the YMCA Camp Independence project. In four years this event has raised over $300,000, funding a state-of-the-art camp that provides crucial life-enhancing activities and enjoyment to children who suffer from spina bifida.
Commented Chairman John Hart: “After such a weekend I wish to thank all of our buyers and consignors, without whom none of this could happen! Our entire team at HDH will continue to strive for you in the days and years ahead. Here is to our collaborative success.”
Top Lots (inclusive of 19.5% buyer’s premium):
Lot 35: 1982 Château Pétrus (12 bs) $57,360 (est. $26,000-$38,000)
Lots 591, 216: 1982 Château Lafite Rothschild (12 bs) $57,360 (est. $26,000-$38,000)
Lots 441-443: 1971 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Assortment (12 bs) $57,360 (est. $30,000-$45,000)
Lot 49: 1990 Château Pétrus (12 bs) $47,800 (est. $30,000-$45,000)
Lot 609: 1982 Château Lafite Rothschild (1 imp) $38,240 (est. $20,000-$30,000)
Lot 834: 1982 Château Lafite Rothschild (10 bs) $38,240 (est. $26,000-$38,000)
Lot 73: 1998 Château Pétrus (12 bs) $33,460 (est. $19,000-$28,000)
Lots 76, 77, 430, 631-633, 728: 2000 Château Lafite Rothschild (12 bs) $35,850 (est. $18,000-$28,000)
Lot 3: 1945 Château Mouton Rothschild (3 bs) $26,290 (est. $11,000-$17,000)
Lot 38: 1986 Château Lafite Rothschild (12 bs) $36,290 (est. $14,000-$20,000)
Sale Stats
Percent sold by lot: 100%
Total Aggregate: $7,178,568
Low Pre-Sale Estimate: $4,422,730
2010-2011 Auction Calendar
January 29, 2011
March 19, 2011
May 7 , 2011
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.
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
