A case of 1982 Lafite-Rothschild sells to Asian buyer for $57,360 as DRC prices move higher
(Chicago, IL) – Hart Davis Hart, America’s largest wine auction house, held another immensely successful auction this weekend in Chicago, realizing $4,679,369 against a pre-sale auction estimate of $3,313,920-$4,957,940. The dining room at Chicago’s TRU Restaurant was filled to capacity with collectors who actively competed for their desired lots while enjoying great food paired with incredible wines from Dom Pérignon, Krug, Raveneau, Sauzet, Ramonet, Méo-Camuzet, Robert Groffier, Vogüé, DRC, La Mission Haut-Brion, Lynch Bages, Pichon Lalande, and JL Chave.
The top lot of the day was a case of 1982 Lafite-Rothschild which soared over the estimate range, bringing $57,360 – the highest price achieved for that wine anywhere in the world in recent weeks. However, it was the strength of Burgundy that was the real story of day.
“While Bordeaux prices have moderated in recent months, Burgundy has taken off,” said CEO Paul Hart. “Lafite was the world’s hottest wine earlier in the year, but it now appears that DRC may hold that title.”
Eager private and trade bidders participated in the saleroom, on the telephones, and via live internet bidding, hailing from 37 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, as well as Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Macau, Mexico, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, Thailand, Taiwan and the United Kingdom.
A 1999 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Assortment (estimate $24,000-$35,000) sold for $38,240, while a 2001 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Assortment (estimate $12,000-$18,000) surpassed its high estimate at $23,900. The great 1990 Romanée-Conti brought $17,925 for a single bottle. In total, 561 lots surpassed the high estimate range. Six of the top ten lots exceeding the high estimate were Assortment cases, Romanée-Conti, or La Tâche from DRC.
The auction also featured a broad selection of rare Californian wines, including several lots of Schrader Cellars which soared above pre-sale estimates. Highlights included a magnum of 2006 Schrader Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vineyard, Old Sparky (estimate $450-$650), which sold for $2,031, and a three bottle assortment of 2007 Schrader Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon (estimate $750-$1,100), which sold for $2,151.
“These results underscore the fact that Hart Davis Hart is the best place in America to buy and sell wines at auction,” commented Chairman John Hart. “We look forward to celebrating the end of a successful 2011 with you at Tru the weekend of December 10th.”
Top Lots (inclusive of 19.5% buyer’s premium):
Lot 2: 1982 Château Lafite Rothschild (12 bs) (est. $28,000-42,000) $57,360
Lot 951: 1999 DRC Assortment (12 bs) (est. $24,000-35,000) $38,240
Lots 31, 34, 35: 2000 Château Lafite Rothschild (12 bs) (est. $20,000-30,000) $26,290
Lots 30, 32, 33, 1055: 2000 Château Lafite Rothschild (12 bs) (est. $20,000-30,000) $23,900
Lot 942: 2001 DRC Assortment (12 bs) (est. $12,000-18,000) $23,900
Lot 130: 2008 La Tâche DRC (12 bs) (est. $14,000-20,000) $21,510
Lot 3: 1982 Château Latour (12 bs) (est. $15,000-22,000) $20,315
Lot 1277: 2000 Château Le Pin (7 bs) (est. $15,000-22,000) $20,315
Lots 5, 6: 1986 Château Lafite Rothschild (12 bs) (est. $16,000-24,000) $19,120
Lot 373: 1989 Château Haut-Brion (12 bs) (est. $11,000-17,000) $19,120
Sale Stats
Percent sold by lot: 100%
Total Aggregate: $4,679,369
Low Pre-Sale Estimate: $3,313,920
High Pre-Sale Estimate: $4,957,940
2011 Auction Calendar
December 10, 2011
February 4, 2012
March 24, 2012
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
