Hong Kong’s autumn auction season heats up

Sales from four major auction houses, starting tomorrow, hope to boost confidence in the Hong Kong and Mainland markets.

La Chapelle 1959, 1961, 1978, 1990 from Sotheby’s Finest and Rarest Wines Including Hermitage La Chapelle 1949 – 2009 Direct From the Cellars of Paul Jaboulet Aîné sale

Starting 21 November, Hong Kong will host wine and spirits auctions from Bonhams, Christie’s, Sotheby’s and Acker, Merrall & Condit over the coming weeks. The events will be watched by analysts as a bellwether for the return of confidence in the East Asian markets.

The auction dates start with Bonham’s Fine and Rare Wines, Cognac & Single Malt Whisky, held on 21 November at Hong Kong’s Island Shangri-La.

The sale features a total of 500 lots, including the fine and rare wines, covering Bordeaux and Burgundies to iconic Italian wines, and boasting a close-to HK$13 million (GB£1 million) estimate.

Highlights from the sale include 12 bottles of Romanée-Conti 1988, 12 bottles of Château Pétrus 1982, and the 6 bottles of Romanée-Conti 1997.

Covering three days at the Hong Kong Conference and Exhibition Center (HKCEC), Christie’s Fine and Rare Wines sales (23-25 November) and will offer over 1800 lots.

Expected to bring in in excess of HK$100 million (£8 million), this season’s sales present an enviable selection of mature Bordeaux from renowned châteaux, rare Burgundies from celebrated Domaines, Grower Champagne and superlative Rhône Valley Crus.

Sales highlights include a Château Lafite Rothschild Vintage 1870 (Lot 3205) double magnum, estimate HK$300,000-400,000 (£24,300-32,400)

Saturday’s auction will see sales from a single-owner European collection, consisting of the most comprehensive assortment of rare Burgundies and Rhône valley wines ever offered in Hong Kong.

Sotheby’s will be presenting two days of sales – Magnificent Bordeaux From A European Cellar and Finest and Rarest Wines Including Hermitage La Chapelle 1949 – 2009 Direct From the Cellars of Paul Jaboulet Aîné – on 7 and 8 December respectively at the new Sotheby’s Hong Kong Gallery at One Pacific Place, Admiralty.

With a combined 915 lots, the two wine sales have an estimated value of HK$24 – 35 million (£1.9 – 2.8 million).

The first sale will see a range of first growths and some of the most sought-after wines from the Right Bank, such as Château Pétrus and Château Cheval Blanc, available in parcels and multiple vintages, while the second date offers 130 lots of Hermitage La Chapelle coming directly from the cellars of Paul Jaboulet Aîné  including the legendary 1961 vintage.

Acker Merrall & Condit, America’s oldest wine merchant, will also be holding an sale at Grissini in Hong Kong’s Grand Hyatt on the 7 and 8 December.