“Legendary” fizz collection at HK auction

Acker Merrall & Condit’s first Hong Kong auction of the season will feature 1,000 lots of Champagne consigned by the “world’s greatest collector”, Robert Rosania.

The auction is expected to realise more than HK$50 million and will take place on 21 to 22 September at the Grand Hyatt.

The collection features extremely rare and exclusive lots from the likes of Bollinger, Taittinger, Salon, Dom Pérignon, Pol Roger, Philipponnat, Krug and Louis Roederer, and will be divided into four sections over the two days.

The first few lots alone will include a bottle of 1911 Moët & Chandon (HK$64,000 – HK$96,000), and magnums of Cristal 1964 and 1969 (HK$28,000 – HK$40,000 and HK$16,000 – HK$24,000 respectively).

Later, a magnum of 1975 Deutz Vinotheque – which Richard Juhlin once described as a “masterly wine” – will appear at HK$160,000 – HK$240,000.

Only 200 of these magnums were made and Juhlin added that the Pinot Noir from Aÿ was so good that year that “the winemaker could not resist making these rare magnums and at the same time perhaps created the best blanc de noirs of all time.”

Also included is a bottle of 1959 Salon (HK$144,000 – HK$200,000); 12 bottles of 1929 Pommery (HK$80,000 – HK$120,000) and a Krug 1966 blanc de blancs (HK$96,000 – HK$144,000).

Krug will feature prominently in the last quarter of the sale and includes such treasures as; 12 bottles of 1982 Clos du Mesnil (HK$96,000 – HK$128,000); 12 bottles of 1988 Clos du Mesnil (HK$96,000 – HK$128,000) and vintages of Krug from 1947, 1952, 1955, 1959, 1962, 1964, 1966 and 1971.

CEO, John Kapon, stated: “It is our privilege to present the massive and incomparable collection of Robert Rosania, the world’s greatest Champagne collector.

“Champagne is one of the world’s greatest wines, and has become increasingly collectible in the global market, particularly the rarities and great producers that Rob has collected. This sale presents a rare opportunity to see such a complete Champagne collection containing jewels from famous and legendary Champagne houses.

“To celebrate this amazing sale, Richard Juhlin, the world’s leading Champagne expert and author will be joining us in Hong Kong. This is an exciting way to start another great Fall season.”

This rise in interest in Champagne has been see in the markets in the UK as well, with buyers moving in on the likes of Comtes de Champagne 2002 in particular due to its quality, but also to its price.

Other lots in the sale include cases of 1982 Pétrus, collections of Latour and Mouton Rothschild dating back to 1945 and cases of various vintages of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti.