‘Blockbuster’ Sotheby’s sale achieves $5m

A blockbuster weekend for Sotheby’s fine wine department saw US$5 million raised in New York last weekend.

Fine wine and spirit sales over 9-10 September saw a total of $4.9m raised from a number of collections.

One of the leading lots was a magnum decanter of Louis XIII engraved with a map of the Americas which was eventually sold for $134,750. Further decanters will appear at sales in London and Hong Kong.

Ludovic du Plessis, global executive director Louis XIII Cognac, said: “We are very happy with the result of the first auction of l’Odysée d’un Roi in New York and look forward to the next sales in Hong Kong and London. It is a great source of pride for us all to partner with Martin Scorsese and The Film Foundation to preserve cinematic heritage for the future.”

Elsewhere the noteworthy lots were dominated by the biggest blue chip names from Bordeaux and Burgundy, with 1985 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Montrachet, 1989 Haut-Brion, 2000 Domaine Leroy Richebourg, 1985 Krug Clos du Mesnil and 1981 Bollinger Vieilles Vignes Françaises being among the best-sellers.

Jamie Ritchie, worldwide head of Sotheby’s Wine, commented: “We were delighted to start the season in New York with a blockbuster $5m weekend.

“The Cellar of John P. Brincko achieved $1.3m and we set a record for the highest price ever for a Louis XIII decanter at $134,750. The second Louis XIII decanter, engraved with a map of Asia, will be offered during a $10m wine weekend in Hong Kong on October 1 & 2.

“Global appetite for mature Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Rhône in enticing quantities remains robust. The next sale in New York on 19 October, dedicated to wines with the finest provenance, coming direct from the cellars of Château La Mission Haut-Brion, promises a confirmation of that trend.”