Top 10 Sotheby’s HK lots

Sotheby’s upcoming Hong Kong auction will  highlight some of the most sought-after wines available today. We round up some of the best lots to look out for.

With a collection spanning 140 years from 1874-2014, Sotheby’s presents its first wine sale of 2017 and the second installment of the Connoisseur’s Cellar.

Comprising more than 900 lots, the auction will see a few classics, including Chateau Mouton Rothschild 1945 and Cheval Blanc 1947 as well as the highly sought-after Karuizawa whiskies from Japan.

The sale is estimated at HK$20-HK$27 million (US$2.56-US$3.46 million) and will take place on Saturday, 21 January.

Adam Bilbey, head of Sotheby’s Wine Asia has also picked the top 10 lots to watch…

10. Lot 1587: Corton Charlemagne, Henri Boillot 2013

Henri Boillot is a ‘micro négociant’ that is very much at the top of his game and this top grand cru is a great example of his talents.

12 bottles per lot, 1 lot in total.

Estimated between HK$12,000-HK$16,000 (US$1,500-US$2,000)

9.  Lots 1533-1534: Clos Vougeot, Faiveley 2014 

With the Burgundy 2015 release prices hitting a new high, one can now find comparative bargains in recent vintages and this top grand gru from Faiveley is a perfect example!

12 bottles per lot, 2 lots in total.

Estimated between HK$9,000-HK$13,000 (US$1,100-1,600)

8. Lot 1796: Karuizawa Single Malt Whisky Fighting Aged 27 Years 1987

Good news for Japanese whisky lovers, as there is a great selection of both Karuizawa and the Ichiro’s Card Player Series. One of the standout lots is the incredibly rare 1987 Karuizawa with its iconic fighting label.

1 bottle per lot, 1 lot in total.

Estimated between HK$35,000-HK$48,000 (US$4,500-US$6,000)

7. Lot 1666: Vega Sicilia ‘Unico’ 1968

A range of vintages of Vega Sicilia are on offer including the extremely rare and sought-after 1968 vintage.

2 bottles per lot, 1 lot in total.

Estimated between HK$13,000-HK$19,000 (US$1,600-US$2,400)

6. Lot 1697: Harlan Estate 1994

There is a brilliant selection of some of the Napa Valley’s very finest on offer. Our eyes were drawn by the magnum of 1994 Harlan Estate. A wine with a huge reputation that put the estate firmly on the map.

1 magnum per lot, 1 lot in total.

Estimated between HK$13,000-HK$16,000 (US$1,600-US$2,000)

5. Lot 1648: Masseto 1998

One of the finest ever vintages for this Tuscan icon. This is for one who likes to impress, coming in a rare six litre format.

1 imperial per lot, 1 lot in total.

Estimated between HK$45,000-HK$60,000 (US$5,500-US$7,500)

4. Lots 1361-1362: Château Cheval Blanc 1947

A wine that has gone down in folklore for its cathedral-like structure and intensity.  In magnum format and with stunning condition, this is a great opportunity to experience this legend.

1 magnum per lot, 2 lots in total.

Estimated between HK$160,000-HK$220,000 (US$20,000-US$28,000)

3. Lot 1264: Château Mouton Rothschild 1945

A wine that needs no introduction, a monumental epic and part of vinous history!

2 bottles per lot, 1 lot in total.

Estimated between HK$140,000-HK$200,000 (US$18,000-US$24,000)

2. Lot 1236: Château La Mission Haut-Brion 1959

With a plethora of legendary Bordeaux on offer in this sale, this is one that just might just fly under the radar. Arguably the greatest La Mission ever.

2 bottles per lot, 1 lot in total.

Estimated between HK$24,000-HK$32,000 (US$3,000-US$4,000)

1. Lots 1186-1187:  Louis Roederer, Cristal Brut 1990

What better way to celebrate the upcoming Year of the Rooster than with one of the finest ever vintages of this iconic Champagne?

Fully mature and drinking beautifully, this will complete anyone’s collection.

6 bottles per lot, 2 lots in total.

Estimated between HK$17,000-HK$24,000 (US$2,000-US$3,000)