June Auction Brings HDH’s US Auction Sales to $23M
In a two-day sale this past weekend, Hart Davis Hart Wine Col cemented its status as the #1 wine auction house in the U.S. for the first half of 2016. HDH has the largest share of the US wine auction market with more than $23M in year to date sales and 9,796 lots offered. The Chicago-based company leads its nearest competitor by over $2M.
HDH’s 100% sold June auction realized $5.5M in sales against pre-sale estimates of $3.8-5.6M. The auction attracted interest from around the globe with bidders hailing from 40 states and five continents. While some participants traveled to Chicago to attend the sale in person, many more bid via Hart Davis Hart’s revolutionary auction website and mobile app.
The June sale featured 2,563 lots of incredible diversity and provenance. Over 40% of all lots met or exceeded their high-estimates, with many achieving astonishing prices. The recent resurgence of the Bordeaux market was reflected in the sale as the 756 Bordeaux lots sold for $2M against presale estimates of $1.3-2M. One particularly special consignment (lots 1725-1811) featured many rare vintages of Bordeaux including a collection of Gruaud Larose from the late 19th and early 20th century. Several of the lots sold for many times their high estimate, including a bottle of 1881 (lot 1726) which sold for $2,868 (est. $200-300) and a bottle of 1917 which went for $1,673 (est. $200-300). Other Bordeaux highlights include a nine-bottle lot of 1989 Château Haut-Brion which brought in $13,145 (est. $7,500-11,000), an imperial of 2005 Château Margaux which sold for $5,975 (est. $3,500-5,500), and a case of 1997 Château d’Yquem half-bottles which went for $5,377 (est. $1,800-2,800).
The auction saw robust demand for Bourbon and Rye. Sales in each category shattered the high estimates. Bidding was similarly strong for mature vintages of California Cabernet, especially from established producers such as Colgin, Dominus, and Ridge. Barolo and Madeira also performed particularly well.
As the #1 wine auction house in the US for the past 4 years, HDH has a proven track record of excellence, and continues to exceed its competition in terms of market share, auction size and sell-through rate. Hart Davis Hart’s 2016 auction season will resume in the fall, with a sale on the weekend of September 19th. In the interim, HDH will be holding its first ever internet-only auction on July 29th. If you are interested in consigning your wine with HDH, please contact [email protected] or 312.379.8712.
For more information on Hart Davis Hart Wine Co. or to arrange a media visit, please contact Chelsea Ball at 312.667.1161, [email protected] or visit hdhwine.com
