HDH hails ‘remarkable’ results

Chicago-based fine wine auctioneer, Hart Davis Hart, saw its latest sale achieve a “remarkable” US$6.2 million.

Attributing the result to the “depth, breadth and quality of the sale,” HDH reported that the two day sale saw 99.96% of its 2,642 lots sold with over half meeting or exceeding their high estimates.

Bidding was particularly competitive for vintages of red Bordeaux from 1961, 1971 and 1985, red Burgundy from 1978, 1985 and 1988 and Californian wines from 1974, 1978 and 1985.

All French wines from the 1990 vintage saw high prices achieved as did the 1997 vintage for Italian reds and California Cabernets.

All of the first growths were on offer in various forms but HDH noted that it was Haut-Brion that attracted a lot of demand, the 34 lots from the estate making $127,985 in total while the 49 Mouton lots made a combined total of $213,666.

“Champagne continues to be one of the strongest categories within the market,” continued HDH, adding that a case of Krug’s 2000 Clos d’Ambonnay made $89,625 and 20 lots of Dom Perignon sold for $50,847. An ex-cellar consignment of Dom Perignon will feature at HDH’s June auction.

“We take pride in having the most accurate auction estimates in the business, so when those estimates are exceeded, it speaks to great demand,” remarked president Ben Nelson. “I advise collectors to take note of the wines that did particularly well in this sale, take stock of their cellars, and explore the benefits of selling wine through HDH.”