Sotheby’s first sale of ‘17 held in HK

Auction house Sotheby’s first fine wine sale of 2017 has realised HK$26 million, with strong sales results for Petrus and Japanese whiskies.

Twenty four lots of Château Petrus totalled HK$3.3m, while 35 lots of Karuizawa whisky made HK$1.3m in all.

The most expensive lot sold was two bottles of 1945 Mouton Rothschild which realised HK$294,000 (US$37,692) – above its pre-sale high estimate of HK$200,000.

Other top lots included six bottles of Henri Jayer Echézeaux 1990 and another six of the 1995, six bottles of 1921 Yquem, two magnums of 1947 Cheval Blanc (sold separately), a full case of 1996 Lafite and six bottles of 2009 Domaine Leroy Richebourg.

Adam Bilbey, head of Sotheby’s Wine Asia, said: “We are pleased to embark on a new year with a strong sale last weekend in Hong Kong, with over 38% of the lots sold above their high estimate, demonstrating the continued strength and vitality of the Asian wine market.

“Bidding in the room and online was active, dominated by buyers from Hong Kong, followed by China, Japan and Taiwan. We are particularly delighted to witness strong demand for whiskies including Karuizawa and The Dalmore.

The result of this sale is a testament to the significance of impeccable provenance.”