HONG KONG.- Christie’s Autumn auction of Finest and Rarest Wines will take place in two sessions on Friday, 26 November and Saturday, 27 November at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre. Featuring over 600 lots valued over HK$60million (US$7.7 million), the sale contain a number of extensive collections, ranging from ten years of Lafite- Rothschild (1992-2002) to a sensitively chosen group of first growth Bordeaux and Dom Pérignon champagnes as well as a marvellous collection of wines from Domaine de la Romanée-Conti.
Leading the sale is a stand-out collection of Château Palmer coming directly from Bordeaux, which Christie’s will presents in three auctions in Hong Kong, London and New York this season. The sale will also offer an extraordinary presentation of prestigious cuvées offered by the legendary house of Krug, featuring Krug Clos du Mesnil, Krug Clos d’Ambonnay, Krug Vintages, Krug Collections and Krug Grande Cuvée. This marks the first and only time in its history that Krug is putting to auction a magnificent set of champagnes from the 1980’s and 1990’s and as such it will be among the highlights of the sale.
The EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME: “THE KRUG UNIVERSE”
Established in 1843, the House of Krug has, throughout six generations, pursued an uncompromising philosophy of quality. Renowned for its inimitable taste – an extraordinary contrast of richness and freshness, power and finesse – Krug is regarding the world over as the ultimate expression of luxury. Leading the sale is an extraordinary lot that brings the universe of Krug to life. Consigned directly by the House of Krug, the aptly named “Journey through the Krug Universe” lot offers an exceptional collection of 144 bottles of the house’s finest champagnes from the 1980’s and 1990’s. Included is Krug’s most sought-after Clos d’Ambonnay, which debuted only recently with its 1995 and 1996 vintages.
The buyer of this lot will be entitled to a unique VIP journey to the Krug Maison in Reims, France, which will comprise two First Class tickets, two nights’ accommodation, a privileged preview of the “assemblage” for the 2010 Krug Grande Cuvée and a tasting of some of the corresponding base wines for this release. A private guided tasting will be conducted of at least 10 different Krug Grande Cuvées from over the last 20 years and a selection of at least 10 astonishing vintage champagnes of the House of Krug. The experience will culminate with two unique Krug gastronomic and personal experiences – one in ‘Clos du Mesnil’ and the other in one of the Michelin starred restaurant in the region. Valued at HK$450,000-550,000/US$57,700-70,500, this lot offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Also offered by Krug is an extremely rare selection of thirty-six bottles of the exceptional Krug Clos du Mesnil 1983, 1986, and 1992 (estimate: HK$280,000-380,000 / US$35,900-48,700).
THE DARLING OF BURGUNDIES: DOMAINE DE LA ROMANEE-CONTI
Romanée-Conti, as the local proverb goes, ‘is the central pearl of the Burgundian necklace.’ This miniscule vineyard give its name to the most famous Domaine in the world, commonly referred to as ‘DRC’, or, more reverentially, simply as The Domaine.
This season Christie’s will present an impressive arrange of Romanée- Conti, including a selection from an important private collection. The provenance of these wines is among the best one can find anywhere, and this collection in particular is a stand-out in that it features only wines that have been acquired through long established relationships with unquestionable merchants who themselves are in great standing with The Domaine. Among the star lots from this special collection is a very rare assortment case of the famed vintage of 1978 (image right, estimate: HK$450,000-550,000/US$57,700-70,500). Also offered from this private collection are bottles from the Burgundy benchmark years of 1990 and 1999.
THE BEAUTY OF BORDEAUX
Blue-chip Bordeaux from the most famous Châteaux in the world form an important cornerstone in Christie’s Hong Kong wine sales each season. Among the leading Bordeaux offerings is a full case the 2005 vintage from Château Lafite- Rothschild (image left, estimate: HK$120,000-150,000/US$15,400-19,200), as well as a rare imperiale of the 1990 vintage (estimate: HK$60,000-85,000 / US$7,700 10,900). Collectors will also be presented a substantial selection of wines from Château Latour spanning nearly three decades from 1976 through 2005. Rare highlights include three ‘one-owner’ cases of the incredible 1982 vintage (image right, estimate: HK$350,000-500,000/US$44,900-64,100). Provenance is paramount when collecting wine and these cases were purchased on release from one reputable retailer and stored in a temperature and humidity controlled home cellar until released for this sale.
Château Mouton-Rothschild stands alone in its feat of being the only Château of the 1855 Médoc classification to change status when it was elevated to First-Growth status in 1973 after a 51 year campaign. Mouton- Rothschild is famous for its exotic and powerful fragrance, as well as its long-standing tradition of commissioning well-known artists to design its labels. This season’s star Mouton-Rothschild offerings include the famed 2000 vintage, including two rare and highly sought-after jeroboams (image left, estimate: HK$75,000-90,000 /US$10,900-15,400 each).
Within the world of fine wine appreciation, there is something of an ‘ultra-elite’, an innercircle that few wines will ever enter. This is a group of maybe five or six, almost exclusively French wines, whose prices and reputations exceed those of all others. This outstanding group naturally includes the wines of Château Pétrus. In the best vintages few wines compare in terms of critical acclaim. Located in Pomerol, the sumptuous wines of Pétrus are best known for their power, concentration, and multi-layered complexity. Among the selection this season is an extremely rare case of the great 1947 vintage (estimate: HK$200,000-300,000 / US$25,640-38,500) and a selection of the rare of the 1982 vintage in large formats, including two imperiales (estimate: HK$280,000-400,000 / US$10,900-12,800 each) and a jeroboam (estimate: HK$240,000-350,000 / US$30,800-44,900).
THE PRESTIGIOUS CHATEAU PALMER
This season, Christie’s will present a rare offering from Château Palmer in three auctions in Hong Kong, London and New York. These sales – of which Hong Kong is the first - give an unprecedented chance to purchase vintages ranging from 1945 through 21st century. These rare wines come directly from the Château and from the Societé Mähler-Besse, a trusted Bordeaux négociant and part-owner of the Château.
Château Palmer occupies a special place in the affections of Bordeaux lovers. Few would deny that it is one of the leading estates of the Margaux appellation, and indeed of the entire region. Decade after decade, Château Palmer presents some of the most thrilling wines in Bordeaux. They have produced legendary wines in all of the great post-war vintages: the 1945, ‘59, and ’61 vintages are all legends and wines of stature that stand with the best of the Médoc. Vintages that might have been lesser at other châteaux have proved triumphs for Palmer. Their ‘66 and ‘70 are particularly well regarded today, and more recent years have seen vintage after vintage of top notch wines: ‘81-‘82-‘83; ‘85-‘86; ‘89-‘90. Newer vintages from the ‘90s and the glorious years of the 21st century confirm its worldwide reputation.
Leading the selection presented to collectors in Hong Kong is a bottle of the legendary 1945 vintage, one of the few ‘45s that can be called exceptionally opulent and super rich (estimate: HK$62,000-70,000 / US$7,900-9,000). Also of note are three bottles of the exquisite 1959 and a case of the 1961 vintage, one of the greatest of the ‘61s and, unquestionably, both among the best-ever Palmers (estimate HK$350,000-400,000 / US$44,900-51,300). A case of the 1983, considered by Robert Parker to be the most powerful Palmer since the compelling 1961, will also be among the most sought-after by collectors (estimate: HK$50,000-55,000 / US$6,400-7,100).
In association with the sale, Christie’s Hong Kong will be holding a Masterclass of the wines of Château Palmer. Featuring Charles Curtis MW of Christie’s and Bernard de Laage de Meux, Export Director for Chateau Palmer, the Masterclass will be held on 25 November at the Hong Kong Exhibition Centre.
