HDH Further Cements its Lead in 2014, Smashing Records and Welcoming Fervent Bidding for Top Burgundian Wines
(Chicago, IL) – Hart Davis Hart, America’s #1 Wine Auction House in 2012 and 2013, continues its strong lead through the first half of 2014 with a 100% sold May sale, posting $4.1 million in sales against a pre-auction estimate of $2.6-$3.9 million. The sale was the world’s only auction this year devoted exclusively to Burgundy, and featured one of the largest offerings of Burgundian wines to date.
With a catalog that read like an encyclopedia of the region’s finest wines, HDH’s A Celebration of Burgundy auction presented bidders with opportunities to win wines from all of their favorite Burgundian producers, from d’Angerville to de Vogüé. Over half of all lots exceeded their high estimates, many of which achieved record prices. As in the past, bidders showed incredible enthusiasm for the sale’s wide array of lots from the Domaine de la Romanée Conti. Spanning 28 vintages and encompassing all of the domaine’s pristine vineyard sites, the sale’s offering of DRC achieved a total of over $1.5 million, claiming all ten of the sale’s top lots. The most impressive lots of the day included a magnum of 1971 Romanée-Conti which shattered its presale high estimate with a sale price of $35,850 (est. $16,000-24,000), as well as 4 bottles of 1990 La Tâche that earned $21,510 (est. 11,000-17,000). The top lot of the day was an exquisite full case of 2009 Romanée-Conti which sold for a total of $155,350—nearly $13,000 per bottle (est. $110,000-170,000).
The saleroom at Chicago’s award-winning TRU Restaurant was bustling with determined bidders as well as special guests Chef Johan Bjorklund from Bistro de L’Hôtel de Beaune, Charles Van Canneyt of Hudelot-Noëllat, and Pierre Rovani of Remoissenet. Van Canneyt and Rovani each were present to represent the sale’s magnificent offerings of rare Hudelot-Noëllat and Remoissenet wines direct from the estates’ cellars. Attendees in the room happily sampled flights of renowned Hudelot-Noëllat wines while witnessing 3 magnums of the Domaine’s 2012 Richebourg sell for $5,736 (exceeding an estimated high of $4,800) and a Jeroboam of the same wine achieve an impressive $4,780 (est. $2,400-3,500). Wines from Leflaive, Leroy and Rousseau saw similarly high demand. In fact, a number of lots from these producers sold for over twice their presale high estimates, including 6 bottles of 2009 Rousseau Chambertin which sold for $15,535 (est. $5,000-7,500) and 6 bottles of Leroy 2009 Romanée-St.-Vivant which sold for an astounding $19,120 (est. $6,000-9,000).
Bidders in Chicago competed vigorously in the sale with absentee bidders throughout the country and world. Truly a global sale, the auction included participants from 31 states, as well as Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Hong Kong, Japan, Macau, Norway, Puerto Rico, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom..
“We were thrilled to see the excitement and passion shown for Burgundy this weekend at both the auction and pre-sale events,” remarked CEO Paul Hart. “Demand for Burgundy is at all all-time high, and buyers from around the globe proved today that they are clearly willing to pay remarkable prices for the region’s top wines.”
Hart Davis Hart’s next sale will take place the weekend of June 27th and will span the gamut of European and New World wines. The sale will include stellar offerings of French and Californian wines from the finest vintages, as well as a special collection of exceedingly rare historic German wines from the collection of Dr. Landy Bonelli.
Top Lots by Price (inclusive of 19.5% buyer’s premium):
Lot 225: 2009 Romanée-Conti, DRC (12 bs) (est. $110,000-170,000) $155,350
Lot 221: 2008 Romanée-Conti, DRC (6 bs) (est. $45,000-65,000) $65,725
Lot 596: 1990 DRC Assortment (12 bs) (est. $28,000-42,000) $50,190
Lot 835: 2000 Romanée-Conti, DRC (3 bs) (est. $22,000-32,000) $41,825
Lot 226: 2009 La Tâche, DRC (12 bs) (est. $28,000-42,000) $38,240
Lot 232: 2010 La Tâche, DRC (12 bs) (est. $30,000-45,000) $38,240
Lot 599: 1999 DRC Assortment (12 bs) (est. $26,000-38,000) $35,850
Lot 820: 1971 Romanée-Conti, DRC (1 mag) (est. $16,000-24,000) $35,850
Lot 970: 2006 Romanée-Conti, DRC (3 bs) (est. $24,000-35,000) $33,460
Lot 594: 1976 DRC Assortment (12 bs) (est. $16,000-24,000) $31,070
Sale Stats
Percent sold by lot: 100%
Total Aggregate: $4,080,997
Low Pre-Sale Estimate: $2,609,790
High Pre-Sale Estimate: $3,913,920
Auction Calendar
June 27 & 28, 2014
September 20, 2014
November 1, 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.
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. visit hdhwine.com