‘Lesser’ vintages lead iDealwine auctions

A Hong Kong buyer snapped up a six-bottle case of 1999 Chateau Palmer at iDealwine’s May auctions, as the weak euro continues to entice buyers from Asia.

The two iDealwine online May auctions attracted buyers from around 30 different countries each, many of whom came from outside the euro zone lured by the weak euro.

Private buyers were also keen to get their hands on the “lesser” vintages as a six-bottle case of 1999 Château Palmer sold for €1,074 to a buyer from Hong Kong, up 15% from its original estimate.

Demand for Burgundy rose as the wines of Armand Rousseau reached new heights: 2005 Chambertin Clos de Bèze 2005 sold for €1,470, an increase of 31% from iDealwine’s estimate and a bottle of 2001 Romanée Conti went for for €9,120 – up 20%.

Angélique de Lencquesaing, deputy managing director of iDealwine, also explained that biodynamic pioneer, Leflaive particular dominated the sales of white Burgundies (pictured above).

“The 2005 vintage, which is particularly sought-after, has seen a price explosion: buyers didn’t hesitate to pay more to get their hands on Chevalier Montrachet for €450, an increase of 15 per cent or Bâtard Montrachet which increased by 23% and sold for €330,” she said.