Acker prepares for “greatest auction” of 2012

Château Latour and over 100 lots of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti will dominate Acker Merrall & Condit’s next Hong Kong auction.

The line-up and scale of the auction has been dubbed Acker’s “strongest auction yet in 2012” by CEO John Kapon.

Expected to raise over HK$60 million, the sale will take place at the Grand Hyatt on 25-26 May.

The sale is divided into four sections that cover “broad and deep selections” of Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, the Rhône, Italy, Spain and California.

Highlights include the Jeroboams of DRC La Tâche 1990 in their original wooden case, estimated at $1.2m to $1.6m; five bottles of Henri Jayer 1978 Richebourg ($480,000 – $720,000) and two 12-bottle cases of 1999 Jayer Cros Parantoux ($480,000 – $640,000 apiece).

From Bordeaux, notable lots include a case of 1947 Cheval Blanc ($1m – $1.2m) and a collection of Château Latour.

The Latour collection spans 70 vintages from 1904 to 1985 and includes over 900 bottles of wine, including three cases of 1945 ($240,000-$320,000 each), cases of 1949 and 1959 and also a case of 1961 ($200,000 – $280,000)

Kapon said: “The demand for great wine remains global and very strong, and Hong Kong continues to be the leader. “Our May Hong Kong sale is our strongest auction yet in 2012, as it showcases the best of the best from the world’s great estates.

“We are particularly honoured to present a wonderful collection from one of America’s top collectors, and together with remarkable parcels direct from three of France’s greatest estates and vineyards, it will be a fun and exciting two days.”