Chicago sale breaks records

Hart Davis Hart’s sale of wines with “impeccable provenance” made US$7.5 million and set new world records for Burgundy, Bordeaux and Champagne at auction.

The sale was held in Chicago on 8 February and was 100% sold with 80% of lots going above their high estimates. The best-selling lots were all Burgundy.

The collection was that of the late HB Harris, a renowned member of the US wine trade and extensive collector.

The sale was held at the Tru Restaurant and saw bidding from a full floor as well as online and phone bids from 39 other states and 15 countries worldwide.

Guests were refreshed with a Jeroboam of 1961 Pichon Lalande and 1985 La Tâche during the sale.

The top lot of the day (including a buyer’s premium of 19.5%) were six bottles of 1985 Richebourg from Henri Jayer which made $113,525.

Other top lots included a case of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti 1976 Romanée-Conti ($101,575 or 85,000 without the premium), another six bottles of Jayer’s 1985 Vosne-Romanée, Cros Parantoux ($101,575) and a Jeroboam of 1971 Romanée-Conti DRC ($77,675).

President Ben Nelson said: “This was an extraordinary collection to have been involved with, and we’ve been honored to assist in bringing it to the market. “We’re ecstatic with today’s results and we’re looking forward to continuing this momentum throughout the year.”

Other record breaking lots included (excluding premium): a case of 1975 Pétrus ($32,000), 12 bottles of 1966 Taittinger Comtes de Champagne ($8,500), six bottles of Coche-Dury’s 1986 Corton Charlemagne ($19,000) and six magnums of 1979 Cristal ($20,000).

The next sale will be held on 22 March.