HDH Bordeaux sale realises US$5m

Hart Davis Hart’s Bordeaux-only sale in Chicago last weekend was 100% sold by lot and realised just over US$5 million in a sale that was said to “bode well for Bordeaux’s future”.

Following on from a number of Burgundy-only sales, the auction house’s decision to host an all Bordeaux affair was meant to stand as a testament to the region’s on-going revival and the parallel revival of fine wine buying in the US.

CEO Paul Hart explained: “Bordeaux sales have been on the rise in the US, which has recently emerged as the world’s leading auction market.

“What we’ve seen in Chicago this weekend bodes well for the Bordeaux market’s future, and as America’s top wine auction house, HDH is happy to lead the charge.”

Lots spanned all the major cru classé and covered vintages dating back to the 1960s. HDH reported: “Particularly strong demand was seen for Bordeaux from 1966, 1970, 1982, 1988, 1990, 1995, and 2010, and for wines from ‘Super Seconds’ including Cos d’Estournel, Ducru-Beaucaillou, Léoville Poyferré, Montrose, and Palmer. Of the first growths, Mouton fared particularly well, with 100 lots selling for $527,330 (pre-sale est. $379,770-570,560).”

Pétrus fared particularly well, a case of 1982 making $53,775 and the 2009 and 2010 vintages were also much sought after.

Lots exceeding their high-estimates included 1971, 1982 and 2005 Montrose, 1986 and 1983 Le Pin, 1990 Yquem, 1966 La Mission Haut-Brion, 2000 Ducru-Beaucaillou and 1982 Lafleur.