NEW YORK, NY.- Sotheby’s Wine announced two exciting online auctions to be held this April: Distilled | The Macallan Fine & Rare Collection From Wing Hop Fung + More (now open for bidding through 19 April) and Vine to Online | The Old & New World (open for bidding from 13-26 April).
Connor Kriegel, Head of Auction Sales for Sotheby’s Wine in New York, said: “Following the success of our March sale series in London, which included a new auction record for any bottle of Japanese whisky, we are very pleased to present these two online auctions this month. Offering more than 300 lots, these sales will present collectors with the opportunity to acquire some of the very best bottles in both wines and spirits.”
DISTILLED | THE MACALLAN FINE & RARE COLLECTION FROM WING HOP FUNG + MORE. Now Open for Bidding through 19 April
THE MACALLAN COLLECTION | PROPERTY OF WING HOP FUNG
The spirits auction is led by an extraordinary and rare group of 30 bottles from the legendary Macallan Fine & Rare series, on offer from specialty retailer, Wing Hop Fung. Spanning five decades from 1937 – 1972, these iconic whiskies were purchased as a single set directly from The Macallan in 2005. Each bottle, in its original wooden case, was delivered to Wing Hop Fung on 26 July 2005, by then Macallan Brand Ambassador, Mark Izatt, who also awarded a Certificate of Authenticity to the owner of Wing Hop Fung, Mr. Dayton Ong. Per this document, at the time that Wing Hop Fung acquired the collection, the retailer was the "only location in North America to house, in its entirety, The Macallan Fine & Rare Collection.”
The collection has been stored in Wing Hop Fung’s private cellars ever since and was only recently removed by Sotheby’s Wine Specialists this year for the April auction. In addition to the collection’s sterling provenance, the highly-coveted Macallan Fine and Rare 56 Year Old 1945 distinguishes this exceptional offering, carrying an estimate of $38/50,000.
This outstanding ensemble comes on the market following Sotheby’s exceptional results for whisky in 2019: The Macallan was ranked #1 spot on the list of Top Spirits Producers in the annual Wine Market Report. Moreover, the October sale of The Ultimate Whisky Collection in London – Sotheby’s first live auction dedicated entirely to spirits and the most valuable private whisky collection ever sold at auction – saw a new world auction record for any Spirit, when the The Macallan Fine & Rare 60 Year Old 1926 sold for $1.9 million.
Established in 1985 in Los Angeles' Chinatown, Wing Hop Fung has become the premier and trusted location for Asian products in Southern California. Meaning “Together, Forever, Prosper,” the store offers the best in Chinese herbs, premium loose teas, ginseng, Asian delicacies, housewares, and fine wine and spirits.
Jonny Fowle, Sotheby’s Spirits Specialist, said: “Macallan is, undoubtedly, the world’s most collectable whisky and at the core of its most coveted expressions is the Fine & Rare collection. This collection achieved its cult status due to a number of qualities: vintages that stretch back to before the Second World War, age statements that exceed half a century and undeniable quality throughout. It is only the most savvy and determined of whisky collectors who have been able to build a truly comprehensive collection of Fine & Rare bottlings over the years, and it is rare to find one with such provenance. It is not only an honour for Sotheby’s to bring these bottles to auction, but an exciting opportunity for any collector to be able to build and complete their own meaningful collection of The Macallan Fine & Rare.”
CJ Lin, Fine Wine & Spirits Advisor for Wing Hop Fung, remarked: “We are very pleased to present our Macallan Fine and Rare collection to whisky enthusiasts worldwide this spring, and privileged to be in partnership with Sotheby's. Beginning with our first acquisition of 2000 Chateau Mouton Rothschild almost two decades ago, Wing Hop Fung has built a fine wine and spirits collection that will satisfy even the most discerning palate. Our passion and dedication to fine wines and spirits has established our loyal relationships with wine growers, producers, importers and brand ambassadors. The Macallan Fine and Rare collection is one of our most treasured collections, and we hope it will be acquired by someone who can enjoy the legacy, spirit and prestige of this set.”
ADDITIONAL SPIRITS HIGHLIGHTS
Outside of the Wing Hop Fung collection, desirable lots include: The Macallan 50 Year Old in Lalique, 6 Pillars, First Edition (estimate $65/95,000); The Macallan Lalique 72 Year Old Genesis Decanter (estimate $80/120,000); the Black Bowmore and Bowmore Trilogy Collection (estimate $140/220,000); as well as notable selections of Pappy Van Winkle, Colonel E.H. Taylor, Eagle Rare, Yamazaki, and Karuizawa.
In particular, The Macallan Lalique 72 Year Old Genesis Decanter represents the oldest age statement whisky to ever have been released from The Macallan Distillery. To date, only The Macallan and one other spirits producer have been able to release a whisky that exceeds 72 years – a testament to both the highly meticulous ageing process and The Macallan’s mastery. Additionally, the stunning Lalique Decanter is held in a bespoke cabinet designed by Burgess Studio and crafted by NEJ Stevenson, royal cabinetmakers to Queen Elizabeth II. Distilled during the Second World War, only 600 bottles of The Macallan Lalique 72 Year Old Genesis Decanter were released worldwide and with very limited allocation. Today, this remarkable whisky showcases what many connoisseurs refer to fondly as the “old style Macallan”, never to be recreated.
Other highlights include the Black Bowmore and Bowmore Trilogy Collection. The April sale marks the first time that the entire seven-bottle collection of Bowmore’s most iconic expressions, Black Bowmore and Bowmore Trilogy, has been offered as a single lot. Undoubtedly the most notorious Islay whiskies, some collectors have spent years attempting to complete this prized collection.
VINE TO ONLINE | THE OLD & NEW WORLD
Online Auction Open for Bidding from 13 – 26 April
The wine auction is distinguished by a strong roster of winemaking greats from around the world. The sale leads with a thoughtful selection, sourced with enormous care, from an important New England cellar, featuring Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Domaine Leroy, Domaine Comte Georges de Vogüé, Château Latour, Château Mouton Rothschild, Gaja, and Giacomo Conterno, among others.
The April wine offering is further distinguished by a compelling group of Burgundy, comprising Domaine Armand Rousseau (1996 - 2002), DRC (1996 - 2007), and rarely seen Domaine Prieuré Roche assortment cases with special provenance. Additional highlights include a selection of Sassicaia spanning four decades (1979 - 2006), and Harlan Estate in a variety of formats, alongside myriad First Growths and Super Seconds, in assorted formats, from landmark years.
ADDITIONAL WINE HIGHLIGHTS
• Romanée St. Vivant 1990 Domaine Leroy (7 BT), estimate $16,000 - $22,000
• Prieuré Roch Assortment Case 2005 (12 BT), estimate $14,000 - $20,000
• Chambertin, Clos de Bèze 1999 Domaine Armand Rousseau (2 BT), estimate $6,500 - $9,500
• Chambertin, Clos de Bèze 1999 Domaine Armand Rousseau (2 BT), estimate $5,500 - $7,500
• Château Margaux 1990 (4 MAG), estimate $7,500 - $10,000
• Château Mouton Rothschild 2000 (6 BT), estimate $8,500 - $12,000
