Christie’s online sale hits US$1.1m

Christie’s latest online fine wine and spirit sale realised US$1.1 million, with an “unprecedented” number of unique visitors and an “excellent result” in the circumstances the auctioneer said.

The sale was US-based but saw global participation with bidders from 31 countries across five continents and a 20% increase in unique visitors compared to previous online wine sales.

The sale’s top lot was a full case of Petrus 1990 which realised $40,000 and there was strong bidding for the array of top Californian wines with collections of Harlan Estate, Promontory, Opus One, Insignia, Dominus, Ridge, Bond Araujo and Spotteswoode all attracting much attention.

There was likewise good success for first growths with a case of Château Lafite 2002 selling for $7,500 while the sale was rounded out with bottles of Rhône, Italy, Champagne and Portugal and Scotch and Bourbon whiskies with a Macallan 31 year-old 1970 selling for $13,750.

Chris Munro, head of wine at Christie’s Americas, “This sale received an unprecedented number of unique visitors, over 20% above the average for online wine sales, and from across the world. This is a testament to our strong client relationships and marketing initiatives spanning social media, engaging content, and digital campaigns. 

“A very good sale result, and given the current circumstances, it is an excellent result showing the strength of detailed curation and strong market knowledge.”