Sotheby’s top 10 wines by value 2013

Domaine de la Romanée-Conti was the most valuable fine wine sold by Sotheby’s in 2013.

The auction house has compiled the results of its 2013 sales in London, New York and Hong Kong to see which wines were the most sought-after by its clients.

The Burgundian domaine unsurprisingly came in at number one by value having seemingly dominated sales throughout the year.

The other wines on the list included all five first growths, one other Burgundy, two Right Bank estates and a surprise Spanish inclusion.

DRC accounted for US$7.2 million dollars worth of sales in 2013 out of the $57.9m total. Hong Kong remains the leading destination for fine wine sales at auction for Sotheby’s.

The city accounted for around half of total sales or $25.5m, London followed with $19.9m and finally New York on $12.5m.

Jamie Ritchie, CEO & president Americas and Asia Sotheby’s Wine commented: “The story of the 2013 Sotheby’s Ranking is the dominance of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti.

“Despite very limited production, strong demand led to high prices, making DRC our biggest seller globally in 2013 with sales of $7.2 million. Bordeaux was also heavily in demand making up 60% of auction sales, Champagne led retail sales, and the $165,000 Opus One Vertical was only narrowly beaten to the top of our list of highest prices.”

The other most valuable wines from 2013 can be seen on the following pages. More analysis of Sotheby’s 2013 season will appear shortly.

2. Lafite

The first growth accounted for $5.2m worth of sales and was the leading Bordeaux label. It also had three of the most expensive lots sold at auction worth a combined $384,755 from a sale in Hong Kong.

3. Pétrus

This Right Bank estate was one of the year’s most prolific Bordeaux names but the abundance of Lafite made sure it was kept out of the number two spot by value with a $4.6m total.

4. Haut-Brion

The Pessac-based first growth was singled out as being one of the best value cru classés last year and perhaps buyers took notice. It made $4.6m.

5. Mouton Rothschild

At $4.1m, the Pauillac estate secured the fifth spot on the list.

6. Latour

Beaten out of the top five by Lafite, Haut-Brion and Mouton, Latour finished the year with a $2.7m total.

7. Margaux

Last of the firsts, Margaux wasn’t too far off Latour with $2.3m .

8. Cheval Blanc

Despite a changeable reputation in investment circles, Cheval Blanc continues to shine.

A two million dollar total was enough to get it into the top rankings no doubt helped along by one of the year’s best-selling lots, a double magnum of 1947 which sold for $116,375 in New York.

9. Henri Jayer

The other darling of the Burgundy lovers and fast becoming a highly collectable label.

Eleven bottles of the 1970 Richebourg helped propel it to a $1.6m total when they sold for $110,004 in London.

10. Vega Sicilia

Vega Sicilia’s Reserva Especial is a blend of three vintages

The Ribera del Duero property outpaced equally hotly-performing Napa, Super Tuscan, Champagne, Burgundian and Bordeaux estates to sneak a top 10 appearance.

It made $1.3m over the course of 2013.