Empire collection commands ‘exceptional results’

The first sale of the “Empire Collection” made over US$3 million at Wally’s New York sale last weekend, with one whole day given over to Burgundy.

The auction house noted that the two-day sale from 20-21 February saw “substantial premiums” for Burgundy on the first day and then for blue chip Bordeaux, Italian and Californian wines the following day.

Taking place at Daniel Boulud’s Restaurant Daniel in New York City, 300 bidders went after just over 1,300 lots and spent $3,274,236, not too far off a $3.7m pre-auction high estimate.

Highlights from the Burgundy part of the sale centred on Maison Leroy, Domaine d’Auvenay, Marquis d’Angerville, Domaine Dujac and Domaine Ponsot among others, with bottles, magnums and full cases of 1996 Bonnes Mares, 1992 Batard Montrachet, 1993 Volnay Clos des Ducs, 1989 Clos de la Roche Vielles Vignes and 1996 Chambolle Musigny Les Amoreuses attaining high prices.

From Bordeaux, a double magnum of 1971 Trotanoy made $4,148, five bottles of 1989 Montrose $1,952 and six magnums of 2000 Lynch Bages $3,416. There was also interest in cases of Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande from the 1995 and 1996 vintages.

Sine Qua Non, of which there was a large amount, also witnessed a lot of attention. A mixed six-apck of the 2007 “Dangerous Birds” Syrah and Grenache made nearly $4,000 while another mixed lot containing four bottles of 2008 “The Line” Grenache, a magnum of the same and another magnum of “B20” Syrah, achieved $2,928.

Wally’s Auctions’ managing director, Julia Gilbert, commented: “The Empire Collection contains astounding quantities of premium Burgundy, and the results of the February auction reflect that buyers have taken note.

“Throughout the auction, prices were incredibly strong, not just on perennially great performers such as Leroy, Roumier and Leflaive, but also on emerging stars such as Dugat-Py, Marc Morey and Truchot. The lively, large room presence and incredible attention online from around the world confirms that the auction market is clamoring for this type of exceptional provenance, and Wally’s is the premier house to provide it.”

The second and final part of the Empire Collection will be auctioned off in New York at the same location on 17-18 April and will contain more Burgundy and a “vast array” of Bordeaux, Rhône, Italy and California.