Saunier Burgundies lead HK auction

The Burgundy-dominated collection of famed US wine importer, Martine Saunier, drove Acker Merrall & Condit to one of its “strongest sales in recent memory”.

Held in Hong Kong last week, the sale made HK$57 million (US$7.3m) and was 100% sold, with 194 lots setting new records and the Saunier collection exceeding its pre-auction high estimate by 50%.

The top lot from the collection was a 12 bottle case of 1999 Henri Jayer Vosne Romanée Cros Parantoux which sold for HK$938,600, closely followed by six magnums of Jayer’s 1996 Cros Parantoux for HK$889,200.

Another six magnums of 1993 Cros Parantoux made HK$839,800. The very top lot though was an assortment of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti that made HK$1,086,800.

There was strong bidding for Latour too as well as Cristal, Giacomo Conterno, Cheval Blanc and Mouton Rothschild but Burgundy definitively ruled the roost.

New records were set for magnums of Jayer’s 1978 Cros Parantoux and 1985 Richebourg as well as for lots of Rousseau, Leroy, Anne Gros, Mugnier, Hudelot-Noellat, Roumier, Meo-Camuzet, Cathiard, Sauzet and Domaine Leflaive.

Acker Merrall CEO John Kapon said: “We couldn’t ask for a better start to 2015. It was the perfect sale to remind the world how important a wine market Hong Kong is.”

Saunier, who was in town for the sale, added: “At the auction, it was wonderful to see the appreciation of what Henri Jayer brought to the world of wine, what he handed down to his nephew Emmanuel Rouget who continues his legacy, and what Madame Leroy thankfully still offers to this day each and every vintage. I am very appreciative and touched by the wonderful collectors and wine lovers that Acker Merrall introduced me to in this special city.”

The second and final part of Saunier’s collection will be sold in New York on 21 February.