DRC cellar to go under the hammer

Sotheby’s will host an auction composed exclusively of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti this autumn.

The 140 lots are expected to realise HK$11 million – $16m and come from a single cellar in the north west of the US.

The sale will precede the Haut-Brion ex-cellar auction happening in the city in October.

Highlights include 36 six-litre Methuselahs, over 70 magnums and vintages from 1970 to 2003.

Every one of DRC’s vineyards is represented with vintages including Romanée-Conti 1989, 1992, 1993 and 2003; La Tâche 1988, 1991, 1993 and 2000; 1995 and 2000 Richebourg; Echézeaux 1996, 1999 and 2000 (and 1991 Grand Echézeaux) and 1990, 1991 and 1999 Montrachet.

There is also a case of Romanée Saint-Vivant 1993 and six bottles of Vosne-Romanée Duvault Blochet 1999.

Serena Sutcliffe MW, head of Sotheby’s International Wine Department, said: “The prospect of owning wines from the Domaine de la Romanée-Conti is breathtaking in itself.

“The reality of drinking them is at another level. We are truly honoured to bring to auction this extraordinary collection of the best of DRC, both pristine and rare.

“The origin of these wines is exemplary, the tastes they offer among the most memorable known to any wine lover.  This is an unsurpassed opportunity for those who revere the pinnacle of Burgundian brilliance.”