The H.B. Harris, Jr. Collection Brings $7.5 Million Against Pre-Sale Estimate of $4.0-$6.0 Million
(Chicago, IL) – Hart Davis Hart, America’s #1 Wine Auction House in 2012 and 2013, opened 2014 with a blockbuster auction, selling 100% of lots offered and posting $7.5 million in sales. A remarkable sale, the Harris collection shattered a pre-auction estimate of $4-$6 million, with over 80% of lots smashing high estimates.
These incredible results were undoubtedly due to the special nature of this single-owner sale, which showcased the impeccable collection of the late H.B. Harris, Jr. From the long list of 1985 Burgundies to the historic vintages of Bordeaux and Champagne, bidders eagerly vied over the wines of Mr. Harris’s cellar, offering remarkably competitive bids for these well-preserved treasures.
As Chairman John Hart noted, “intact cellars of this caliber are growing increasingly scarce, and it’s always thrilling to be a part of them. The overwhelming response generated by this sale shows how highly collectors value the provenance that comes with a single-owner sale.”
Unparalleled quantities of finest and rarest wines yielded phenomenal results, with Burgundy legends Jayer, DRC, Ponsot and Leroy continuing to dominate the market. The Domaine de la Romanée-Conti claimed 5 of the top 10 lots of the day, with a rare case of its 1976 Romanée-Conti selling for an astounding $101,575 against an estimate of $50,000-$75,000, and an even rarer jeroboam (3L) of 1971 Romanée-Conti hammering at $77,675 (est. $30,000-45,000). Not to be outdone, a six bottle case of Henri Jayer’s 1985 Richebourg ultimately claimed the top lot of the day, selling for a breathtaking $113,525.00.
The auction, which was held at Chicago’s award-winning Tru Restaurant, saw feverish participation from collectors worldwide. Attendees filled the auction room to near capacity, competing vigorously with absentee bidders from 39 states, as well as 15 countries spanning 5 continents. Bidders on the floor were fortunate enough to sample gems from the Harris cellar throughout the sale, including a luscious, full-bodied Jeroboam of 1961 Pichon Lalande and a beautifully complex 1985 La Tâche.
“This was an extraordinary collection to have been involved with, and we’ve been honored to assist in bringing it to the market,” remarked President Ben Nelson. “We’re ecstatic with today’s results and we’re looking forward to continuing this momentum throughout the year.”
Hart Davis Hart’s next sale will take place the weekend of March 22nd and will feature a stunning selection of DRC, top Bordeaux, and California cult favorites including Screaming Eagle, Sine Qua Non and Schrader.
Top Lots by Price (inclusive of 19.5% buyer’s premium):
Lot 558: 1985 Richebourg, Henri Jayer (6 bs) (est. $48,000-75,000) $113,525
Lot 297: 1976 Romanée-Conti, DRC (12 bs) (est. $50,000-75,000) $101,575
Lot 562: 1985 Vosne-Romanée, Cros Parantoux, Henri Jayer (6 bs) (est. $30,000-45,000) $101,575
Lot 293: 1971 Romanée-Conti, DRC (1 jeroboam (3L)) (owc) (est. $30,000-45,000) $77,675
Lot 298: 1976 Romanée-Conti, DRC (4 mags) (est. $35,000-55,000) $77,675
Lot 307: 1971 La Tâche, DRC (6 mags) (est. $35,000-55,000) $71,700
Lot 822: 1985 Clos de la Roche, Vieilles Vignes, Domaine Ponsot (6 mags) (est. $30,000-45,000) $71,700
Lot 821: 1985 Clos de la Roche, Vieilles Vignes, Domaine Ponsot (12 bs) (est. $26,000-38,000) $65,725
Lot 306: 1971 La Tâche, DRC (12 bs) (est. $28,000-42,000) $59,750
Lot 560: 1985 Vosne-Romanée, Brûlées, Henri Jayer (12 bs) (est. $32,000-48,000) $59,750
Sale Stats
Percent sold by lot: 100%
Total Aggregate: $7,552,257
Low Pre-Sale Estimate: $4,003,590
High Pre-Sale Estimate: $5,965,930
Examples of World Record Prices Achieved in
The Herbert Bridges Harris, Jr. Collection:
Red Burgundy
Lot 297: 1976 Romanée-Conti, DRC (12 bs) (est. $50,000-75,000) $101,575
Lot 293: 1971 Romanée-Conti, DRC (1 jeroboam (3L)) (owc) (est. $30,000-45,000) $77,675
Lot 298: 1976 Romanée-Conti, DRC (4 mags) (est. $35,000-55,000) $77,675
White Burgundy
Lot 390: 1976 Montrachet, DRC (12 bs) (est. $32,000-48,000) $41,825
Lot 407: 1986 Corton-Charlemagne, Coche-Dury (6 bs) (est. $15,000-22,000) $22,705
Lot 837: 1983 Montrachet, Domaine Ramonet (5 bs) (est. $5,500-9,000) $17,925
Red Bordeaux
Lot 126: 1975 Château Pétrus (12 bs) (owc) (est. $18,000-28,000) $38,240
Lot 124: 1974 Château Pétrus (12 bs) (est. $7,500-11,000) $15,535
Lot 120: 1973 Château Pétrus (6 bs) (est. $4,000-6,000) $8,365
Champagne
Lot 971: 1979 Louis Roederer, Cristal (6 mags) (est. $14,000-20,000) $23,900
Lot 970: 1976 Taittinger, Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs (12 bs) (est. $9,000-13,000) $14,340
Lot 973: 1981 Louis Roederer, Cristal Rosé (12 bs) (est. $9,000-14,000) $11,950
Auction Calendar
March 22, 2014
May 17, 2014
June 28, 2014
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.
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