Hong Kong – Reported by Elite Traveler, the Private Jet Lifestyle Magazine
Sotheby’s Hong Kong landmark sale of treasures direct from the legendary Château Lafite concluded this evening with a staggering total of HK$65.5 million / US$8.4 million, tripling the pre-sale high estimate of HK$20 million / US$2.5 million. The sale was 100% sold by value and by lot, adding to the success of Sotheby’s Hong Kong in maintaining the tenth consecutive 100%-sold wine auction in Asia in the last 18 months, the only auction house to achieve this record.
Buying from Asia was extremely strong in this sale with very competitive bidding. The parcel of three bottles of Lafite 1869 fetched a stunning total of HK$5,445,000 / US$698,076.
The sale featured 284 lots of fabulous Lafite, as well as the other châteaux owned by Domaines Baron de Rothschild, all with direct-from-the-cellar perfect provenance. Prior to being shipped to Hong Kong, none of these wines have left the cellars in which they were placed immediately after being made.
Baron Eric de Rothschild, owner of Château Lafite, said: “I am delighted that this unique auction brought Lafite to so many true connoisseurs and wine lovers. Our aim was to open our cellar doors to the friends of Château Lafite in Asia so that they could enjoy fabulous vintages in the best possible condition. We are very happy that Sotheby’s took Lafite to new heights with this sale and we toast all those followers of Lafite who appreciate the passion with which we make it.”
Serena Sutcliffe M.W., Head of Sotheby’s International Wine Department said: “It was an honour to bring to auction this glorious, and unrepeatable, collection of Château Lafite, direct from their cellars in Bordeaux. The great success of this sale further enhances Lafite’s formidable reputation in Asia, which recognizes the enormous skill it takes to make a wine of this longevity and quality. Wine history was made today.”
Highlights of the Sale:
• Lot 188, 189, 190 Château Lafite – Rothschild 1869 (1 bottle)
Price: HK$1,815,000 / US$232,692 (Estimate: HK$40,000-65,000 / US$5,000-8,000)
• Lot 186 and 187 Château Lafite – Rothschild 1870 (1 bottle)
Price: HK$1,331,000 / US$170,641 (Estimate: HK$80,000-160,000 / US$10,000-20,000)
• Lot 167 Château Lafite – Rothschild 1959 (1 jeroboam-5L)
Price: HK$1,331,000 / US$170,641 (Estimate: HK$240,000-400,000 / US$30,000-50,000)
• Lot 183 and 184 Château Lafite – Rothschild 1899 (1 bottle)
Price: HK$1,210,000 / US$155,128 (Estimate: HK$40,000-65,000 / US$5,000-8,000)
• Lot 133 Château Lafite – Rothschild 1982 (1 imperial – 6L)
Price: HK$1,149,500 / US$147,372 (Estimate: HK$200,000-420,000 / US$25,000-55,000)
• Lot 129 to 130 Château Lafite – Rothschild 1982 (12 bottles)
Price: HK$1,028,500 / US$131,859 (Estimate: HK$280,000-500,000 / US$35,000-65,000)