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Auction PR Publicity Announcements News and Information

Hart Davis Hart Dominates U.S. Auction Market in 2017 as December Auction Brings in $9.1 Million and Record Number of Bidders

Case of 1982 Château Le Pin sells for Record Setting $155,350

Hart Davis Hart concluded a record-breaking 2017 with a massive three-day auction held on December 14th, 15th, and 16th. One of the highlights of the weekend was lot 3207, a 12-bottle case of 1982 Château Le Pin. Ben Ferdinand opened the lot with bids over the estimate at $120,000, but a phone bidder quickly raised the price and the lot hammered for $130,000 against presale estimates of $70,000-100,000. HDH was incredibly honored to offer the extremely rare bottles, which set a record as the most expensive case of 1982 Le Pin sold at auction.

Over the course of the year, HDH realized the highest prices in the industry while maintaining a 100% sell-through rate. The wine auction house, based in Chicago, has been a leader in the industry since 2010 and continues to push boundaries and raise the market standard. Over the course of seven live auctions held this year, HDH garnered $48.6 million in sales, making Hart Davis Hart the largest seller of fine wines at auction in the United States.

CEO Paul Hart commented: “Here at HDH we are truly grateful to our bidders and consignors, who have trusted the HDH team for so many years with the buying and selling of fine and rare wines. Our team is dedicated and committed to providing the very best services for our clients.”

HDH’s December sale saw a record number of bidders spanning five continents. Selling 100% of the 3,686 lots, their final auction of 2017 realized $9,083,338 against presale estimates of $5.6-8.5 million, with over 61% of all lots meeting or exceeding their high-estimates. Red and White Burgundy performed well, realizing $3.5 million against presale estimates of $2.1-3.2 million. Highlights included 3 bottles of 2014 Romanée-Conti, Domaine de la Romanée-Conti which brought in $41,825 (est. $32,000-48,000); 12 bottles of 1993 La Tâche, Domaine de la Romanée-Conti which garnered $41,825 (est. 22,000-32,000); and 12 bottles of 1999 Chambertin, Armand Rousseau which sold for $35,850 (est. $19,000-28,000).

HDH also saw strong prices with Red Bordeaux, California wines, American Bourbon, and Madeira. Some highlights included an imperial of 2005 Château Pétrus which sold for $33,460 (est. $20,000-30,000); 1 bottle of 1979 Old Rip Van Winkle 10yr Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Very Special Stock Bottled by J.P. Van Winkle and Sons which garnered $4,541 (est. $1,200-1,800); and 3 bottles of 1991 Hermitage J. L. Chave which brought in $4,182.50 (est. $1,500-2,200).

HDH emphasized its position as the #1 wine auction house in the U.S. with this exceptional sale. In addition, the firm achieved the industry’s highest sell-through rate–not one of the 16,853 lots offered this year was passed. The company brought internet auctions to the next level with ground breaking mobile auctions powered by their industry-best online and mobile bidding platforms. Mobile auctions at HDH are now the most dynamic and exciting way to sell wines online. By offering impeccably sourced wines, reaching global bidders, and providing the best service in the industry, HDH has once again achieved market-leading results.

For more information on Hart Davis Hart Wine Co. or to arrange a media visit, please contact Sophia Springer at 312.324.0951, [email protected] or visit hdhwine.com