Haut-Brion rides high at auction

Sotheby’s opening Fine and Rare Wine auction in New York was hailed as a resounding success earlier this week, with Haut-Brion selling particularly well.

The sale achieved US$2,294,040 and was sold 100% by lot. As has been noted on numerous indices, sales of and interest in Haut-Brion have been strong in recent weeks and the estate performed well, according to Jamie Ritchie, head of Sotheby’s Wine in the US.

A case of Haut-Brion 1982 made $15,730 (estimate $7,000-$10,000), 12 bottles of 1990 reached $10,285 ($5,500-$7,500), $19,360 was paid for a case of 1989 and $15,730 for a case of La Mission 1989.

Aside from Haut-Brion, a Melchior of Cheval Blanc 1995 sold for 807% above its high-estimate of $7,000 settling on $45,375 when the hammer came down. The buyer was a private client from South America.

Ritchie said: “This was our first evening wine sale in New York since October 2008 and a full saleroom enjoyed an excellent dinner by our boardroom chef Peter Marello, alongside a range of wines from our new retail wine business. There was fierce competition throughout the sale, particularly from Asian, Brazilian, Mexican and US bidders.”

The Jeroboam of Champagne Jacquesson 1990 referred to in the pre-auction report was sold for $484.

Rupert Millar, 10.03.2011