• Nov 2012
  • Sept 2012
  • May 2012
  • March 2012
  • January 2012
Acker Merrall & Condit November Hong Kong Sale
 
Achieves Total of HK$46.8 Million/US$6 Million
 
84 New World Records Set Including Six for DRC Romanée-Conti
 
Hong Kong - Acker Merrall & Condit, the world’s leading wine auctioneer and America’s oldest fine wine merchant, continued the strong momentum of its autumn season in its Hong Kong sale held on 9 & 10 November 2012at Grand Hyatt Hong Kong. A total of HK$ 46.8 million /US$ 6 million was achieved in the two-day sale featuring over 1,000 lots of some of the world’s most sought after wines. Domaine de la Romanée-Conti dominated the weekend’s auction, accounting for nine out of the sale’s top ten lots, and an astonishing thirty out of thirty-six. The top two lots were a 12-bottle case of the 1988 Romanée-Conti selling for HK$1,033,200/US$132,462 and three bottles of the exceedingly rare 2005 Romanée - Conti, which fetched HK$541,200/US$69,385, establishing a new world auction record per bottle of this wine .
 
John Kapon, CEO of Acker Merrall & Condit Companies, commented after the sale: “Domaine de la Romanée-Conti asserted itself this sale as the world’s most important producer, and the wine after which the producer is named set an amazing six new world records for six different vintages from the last decade. There was strong demand in Burgundy overall, and we also saw considerable interest in the wines from the Rhone, Germany and Italy. The market continues to diversify, and the next two months will bring direct consignments and appearances in Hong Kong from Gaja, Dujac and Roulot, along with two blockbuster auctions, the likes of which we haven’t seen since 2011. We’re excited to close out the Chinese calendar year in grand fashion!”
 
DOMAINE DE LA ROMANEE-CONTI
Romanée-Conti once again dominated the top ten lots. The top price was achieved by an extraordinary 12 -bottle case of 1988 Romanée - Conti in their original wooden case that fetched HK$1,033,200/US$132,462 (Lot 840, illustrated right) after spirited bidding. Further Romanée-Conti highlights included 6 bottles of 1993 (HK$541,200/US$69,385, Lot 843), 6 bottles of 1997 (HK$492,000/US$63,077, Lot 844), 6 bottles of 1989 (HK$442,800/US$56,769, Lot 841), 3 bottles of 1990 Romanée-Conti (HK$418,200/US$53,615, Lot 842) and 3 bottles of 2009 Romanée-Conti (HK$369,000/US$47,308, Lot 862). In addition, world records were set for the 2000, 2001, 2002, 2005, 2006 and 2007 vintages.
 
PREMIER FEATURED COLLECTION FROM A PRESTIGIOUS AMERICAN COLLECTOR
Strong prices were commanded by the astonishing collection of Romanée Conti led by 3 bottles of the highly coveted 2005 Romanée - Conti in banded owc selling for HK$541,200/US$69,385 (Lot 735), surpassing the high estimate of HK $ 400,000 and setting a world record price per bottle of this wine. A 5-bottle lot of 1998 and 1999 Romanée-Conti fetched HK$442,800/US$56,769 (Lot 727) while 3 bottles of 2002 Romanée-Conti sold for HK$418,200/US$53,615 (Lot 731), a new world record.
 
Extremely rare double magnums of Screaming Eagle also sold from this collection. A double magnum of 1993 (Lot 816) and another double magnum of 1994 (Lot 817) achieved HK$118,080/US$15,138 each.
 
EXTRAORDINARY PARCEL FROM A DISTINGUISHED HONG KONG COLLECTOR
Featuring legendary wines from Bordeaux and Burgundy, this unique collection created great sensation in the sale. Important lots from this eminent Hong Kong collector included 12 bottles of 1990 DRC Assortment (HK$393,600/US$50,462, Lot 225, illustrated right), and 12 bottles of 2005 La Tâche in owc (HK$369,000/US$47,308, Lot 238).
 
EXCLUSIVE OFFERINGS DIRECT FROM DOMAINE FAIVELEY & DOMAINE HUBERT LIGNIER
Vinous treasures direct from Domaine Faiveley and Domaine Hubert Lignier were specially presented in this sale, including mixed lots of Premier Cru and Grand Cru wines in both standard and large format. Notable lots of Domaine Faiveley included a 6-bottle vertical of Musigny from 2005 to 2010 (HK$108,240/US$13,877, Lot 339) and a 72-bottle Corton vertical from 2005 to 2010 (HK$78,720/US$10,092, Lot 337).
 
Domaine Hubert Lignier highlights were 12 bottles of Clos de la Roche of the vintages 1999 and 2002 (HK$41,820/US$5,362, Lot 349), a highly sought-after 1988 Clos de la Roche in Methuselah (HK$39,360/US$5,046, Lot 347) and 6 bottles of 1978 Charmes Chambertin (HK$27,060/US$3,469, Lot 346).
 
 
 
 
ACKER MERRALL & CONDIT HONG KONG SALE
Achieves a Spectacular Total of Over HK$61.8 Million /US$7.9 Million
36% of Lots Sold for Prices Above High Estimates
*88 New World Records Set, 47 for Champagne
From the Legendary Collection of Robert Rosania*
 
 
 
Hong Kong - Acker Merrall & Condit, the world’s leading wine auctioneer and America’s oldest fine wine merchant, started the autumn sale season in Hong Kong with fantastic results. Held on 21 & 22 September 2012 at the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, it was the largest wine auction of the new season so far, achieving a spectacular total of HK$61,796,676/US$ 7,922,651 with 98% sold, including 36% of lots selling for prices above their high estimates. The legendary Champagne Collection of Robert Rosania generated immense interest from worldwide collectors and realized nearly US$1 million in total. Eighty-eight new world records were set, including forty-seven for Champagne, amongst those twelve for Krug, eight for Roederer and six for Salon.
 
John Kapon, CEO of Acker Merrall & Condit Companies, said, “We are thrilled with the remarkable results of our first sale of the Fall here in Hong Kong, in which nearly HK$8 million of Champagne from the collection of Robert Rosania was sold. I don’t think there is another collection in the world that could achieve such a fact, and Champagne lovers and connoisseurs took notice, including the world’s #1 Champagne expert Richard Juhlin, who joined us in Hong Kong this week to witness this sensational event. The sale is a testament to the growing strength of the global Champagne market. I was impressed by local collectors’ passion and appetite for Champagne, which showed me that the market is continuing to strengthen by diversifying. I was also impressed with the demand for older wines in general, which is a sign that the market is maturing, pun intended. Fine and rare Bordeaux and Burgundy wines still dominated the Top Ten lots, showing the intense demand that still remains for those wines in the marketplace, led by Mouton Rothschild, DRC, Henri Jayer, Latour, Petrus and Lafite Rothschild. Bordeaux regained a bit of bounce in the salesroom, another good sign.”
 
THE CHAMPAGNE COLLECTION OF ROBERT ROSANIA
 
The extraordinary offering from Robert Rosania, the world’s greatest champagne collector, attracted enthusiastic bidding throughout the sale. Rare bottles from the most famous and legendary Champagne houses were featured in this incredible consignment. The top lot was 6 bottles of 1959 Salon, which achieved a record price of HK$221,400/US$28,385 (Lot 672, illustrated right).

Also of note were the rare Vintage Krug offerings, amongst which 12 new World Records were set. Top selling lots included 12 bottles of 1982 Clos du Mesnil selling for HK$147,600/US$18,923 (Lot 871), and 12 bottles of 1988 Clos du Mesnil realizing HK$147,600/US$18,923 (Lot 872). 12 bottles of 1979 Krug sold for HK$98,400/US$12,615 (Lot 844). A single bottle of rarest 1966 Blanc de Blancs achieved HK$108,240/US$13,877 (Lot 869). 1966 is often hailed as the best vintage from Champagne’s greatest decade. This is the only vintage ever made of this wine and only 500 bottles were made. Fetching the exact same price was also a rare bottle of 1947 Krug Collection (Lot 826).
 
Other notable Champagne lots included:
– A bottle of 1911 Moet & Chandon (HK$83,640/US$10,723, Lot 93)
– A magnum of 1964 Roederer Cristal (HK$54,120/US$6,938, Lot 109)
– 12 bottles of 1990 Roederer Cristal (HK$59,040/US$7,570, Lot 453)
– 6 bottles of 1976 Taittinger Comtes de Champagne (HK$98,400/US$12,615, Lot 657), nearly tripling its pre-sale high estimate
– 6 magnums of 1985 Salon (HK$73,800/US$9,462, Lot 680)
– 6 magnums of 1996 Salon (HK$54,120/US$6,938, Lots 695-696)
 
SUPERB BORDEAUX TREASURES
 
Bordeaux regained some strength in the market, accounting for seven of the Top 10 selling lots of this sale. Strong prices were realized for a super vertical of 67 bottles of Mouton Rothschild that sold for HK$541,200/US$69,385 (Lot 818) and a 56-bottle vertical of Latour selling for HK$393,600/US$50,462 (Lot 817).

A case of 1982 Lafite in owc fetched HK$344,400/US$44,154 (Lot 241, illustrated left), while Petrus highlights included a case of the legendary 1982 vintage (HK$393,600/US$50,462, Lot 821), a two-case parcel of 1990 (HK$344,400/US$44,154 per lot, Lot 619-620) and a case of 1989 in owc (HK$344,400/US$44,154, Lot 610).
 
PRESTIGIOUS JAYER AND DOMAINE DE LA ROMANEE CONTI
 
Prestigious Burgundy and DRC bottles commanded impressive prices. The top lot of this section was 10 bottles of 1987 Henri Jayer Richebourg which realized HK$467,400/US$59,923 (Lot 410) after spirited bidding. An exceptional 12-bottle case of 1990 La Tâche achieved HK$418,200/US$53,615 (Lot 294, illustrated right). Strong bids were recorded for the sensational 2005 La Tâche in banded original wooden cases. A 12-bottle lot of this vintage sold for HK$369,000/US$47,308 (Lot 988) and another 6-bottle lot sold for HK$186,960/US$23,969 (Lot 738).
 
Further DRC highlights included:
– 3 bottles of 2007 Romanée Conti in owc (HK$221,400/US$28,385, Lot 755)
– 3 bottles of 2008 Romanée Conti in owc (HK$246,000/US$31,538, Lot 756)
– 3 bottles of 2009 Romanée Conti in banded owc (HK$319,800/US$41,000, Lot 1002)
 
# # #

Acker Ends Spring Season in Hong Kong on High Note with
Impressive Results of HK$70+ Million/US$9+ Million

Spectacular Collection of Ancient Treasures from Chateau Latour
And Direct Consignments from Comte Liger-Belair &
Chateau de La Tour Clos Vougeot Create Sensation in the Market,
With Results 90% Over Combined High Estimates

55 New World Records Including 12 for Chateau Latour
Acker’s Results Exceed Combined Sales of Other Major Wine Auctions
In Hong Kong this Weekend, Cementing its #1 Status in the World

Hong Kong - Acker Merrall & Condit, the world’s leading wine auctioneer and America’s oldest fine wine merchant, held its May Hong Kong sale on May 25th & 26th 2012 and achieved an impressive total of HK$70+Million/US$9+Million and was 95% sold. Over 1,000 lots world-class fine wines on offer generated immense interest from collectors all over the world.

ORIGINAL CHATEAU LATOUR WINES FROM A NOBLE FRENCH FAMILY
The original Chateau Latour bottles came directly from one of the former owners of this historic property and were lying in their ancient cellars in France until this sale. They created enormous interest in the market and an absolute sensation in the salesroom. A stunning array of some of the rarest bottles of Chateau Latour in the world was offered, starting with the legendary 1905 vintage all the way up to 1985, with the collection achieving over double the high estimate and HK$14,244,695/US$1,826,243. All bottles came from a completely original and untouched cellar of Chateau Latour wines, left to mature in their completely original state with the original corks, capsules, labels and cases. This kind of condition does not even exist in the cellars of Chateau Latour itself.

Rarities from this prestigious collection included a case of 1945 Latour which sold for HK$934,800/US$119,846 (Lot 628), nearly three times the pre-sale high estimate. Two other cases of 1945 realized HK$787,200/US$100,923 each (Lot 629-630) and a case of 1961 sold for HK$836,400/US$107,231 (Lot 665), also three times its high estimate. A parcel of 3 cases of 1949 Latour fetched strong prices, with one case selling for HK$467,400/US$59,923 (Lot 639), more than doubling the high estimate. Two parcel cases of the 1959 vintage sold for HK$442,800/US$56,769 each (Lot 662-663), doubling the high estimate.

 

John Kapon, CEO of Acker Merrall & Condit Companies, commented after the sale: “This sale proved that Hong Kong’s appetite is still voracious when it comes the world’s most exceptional collections.  The sensational offering of original and very rare Chateau Latour treasures spanning nearly a century witnessed an incredible bidding fervor, as did the direct consignments from Comte Liger-Belair and Chateau de La Tour in Clos Vougeot.  While Burgundy dominated the top selling lots thanks to Domaine de la Romanee Conti and Henri Jayer, this once-in-a-lifetime consignment of Chateau Latour stole the spotlight, as bidders recognized the impeccable provenance of this offering.  We were also quite pleased to exceed the combined results of the other two major wine auctions this weekend.  Asia knows that when it comes to the world’s finest collections, A is for Acker.”
 

CHATEAU DE LA TOUR & COMTE LIGER-BELAIR
Wines from Chateau de la Tour and Liger-Belair also attracted significantly strong bidding, as buyers responded to not only the personal presence of owners Francois Labet and Louis-Michel Liger-Belair, but also events showcasing numerous vintages of their incredible wines.  Notable lots from Chateau de la Tour included six bottles of rarest 1945 (only 125 cases produced in total) achieving HK$78,720/US$10,092 (Lot 278), nearly double the high estimate, and 12 magnums of Clos Vougeot 1979 and 1985 in original wooden cases realizing HK$157,440/US$20,185 (Lot 281), nearly four times the pre-sale high estimate.  Highlights from Liger-Belair included a unique 12-bottle case of 2009 La Romanee in original wooden case which sold for HK$246,000/US$31,538 (Lot 292), and six bottles of 2002 La Romanee setting a new world record at HK$108,240 /US$13,877 (Lot 239). 

OTHER TOP LOTS
Lots of significant vintages of Romanee Conti commanded strong prices, highlighted by an original wooden case of 1990 (HK$1,476,000/US$189,231, Lot 276) which was the top-selling Burgundy lot of the sale. Other marvels included a case of 1988 (HK$885,600/US$113,538, Lot 275), a case of 2004 (HK$885,600/US$113,538, Lot 729), a case of 1993 (HK$885,600/US$113,538, Lot 277) and 6 bottles of 2001 (HK$467,400/US$59,923, Lot 728). Notable offerings also included cases of 1999 H. Jayer Cros Parantoux (HK$541,200/US$69,385, Lot 260) and 12 bottles of 1990 La Tache (HK$467,400/US$59,923, Lot 335).

An exceptional array of Bordeaux was offered and achieved excellent results. The star lot – the top-selling Bordeaux of the sale – was a rare original wooden case of 1947 Cheval Blanc which fetched HK$1,476,000/US$189,231 (Lot 701).  Another highlight was 12 bottles of 2005 Petrus that sold for HK$442,800/US$56,769 (Lot 722).

 

Acker Merrall & Condit’s 20th Hong Kong Sale

Achieves Outstanding Results of Over HK $58 Million / US $7.4 Million

Featuring Superb Wines & Rare Vintages
Direct From the Cellars of Antinori

74 World Records Set Led by Eight for Liger-Belair
and Seven for Domaine de la Romanee Conti
 
Hong Kong - Acker Merrall & Condit, the world’s leading wine auctioneer and America’s oldest fine wine merchant, held its 20th Hong Kong sale on 30 & 31 March and achieved an impressive total of HK$58,311,930 / US$7,475,888 and was 95% sold. An exceptional selection of over 1,000 lots of world-class fine wines offered attracted bidders from around the world.
 
John Kapon, CEO of Acker Merrall & Condit Companies, commented after the sale: “The wine market today is humming with variety and vitality. While Bordeaux and Burgundy maintained their strong demand as usual, fine wines from the rest of the world were also greatly welcomed by buyers, illustrated no better than the appetite for the direct consignment from the cellars of Antinori. Collectors are seeking diversity and more than just the traditional favorites, which is great for the overall market. Of course, those favorites still dominate the top lots, but it is great to see the market active from A to Z.”
 
BORDEAUX & BURGUNDY
 
Two superb European collections were offered in the sale, which included some of the most coveted vintages of great Bordeaux and Burgundy wines. The top lot was a rare case of 1945 Mouton Rothschild in superb condition which fetched HK$1,700,000/US$217,949 (Lot 857H), which was sold privately before the auction upon request and approved. Further Bordeaux highlights were 6 magnums of 1961 La Mission Haut Brion (HK$585,600/US$75,077, Lot 857E) and a case of 1945 La Mission Haut Brion (HK$463,600/US$59,436, Lot 857G), as these legendary cases proved irresistible. Also of note was a case of 1982 Lafite Rothschild in original wooden case (HK$390,400/US$50,051, Lot 984).
 
Petrus, Bordeaux’s most collectible wine, commanded strong prices yet again, highlighted by a case of 2005 (HK$317,200/US$40,667, Lot 387), a parcel of 2 banded original wooden cases of 2008 (HK$317,200/US$40,667 each, Lot 290-291) and 6 magnums of 2008 Petrus (HK$317,200/US$40,667, Lot 292).
 
Burgundy treasures of exceptional vintages attracted enthusiastic bidding among collectors and realized excellent prices. Highlights included 12 bottles of 1999 DRC Assortment in original wooden case (HK$414,800/US$53,180, Lot 238), a vertical of 11 magnums of La Tache (HK$390,400/US$50,051, Lot 557) and 9 bottles of 1986 Romanee Conti (HK$585,600/US$75,077, Lot 730). Other notable lots featured a parcel of 3 bottles of 2005 Romanee Conti (HK$366,000/US$46,923 each, Lot 425-426), 6 bottles of 2005 La Tache (HK$185, 440/US$23, 774, Lot 419) and 6 bottles of 1971 Roumier Musigny (HK$414,800/US$53,179, Lot 857K).
 
Rare wines by Henri Jayer were highly sought-after and fetched healthy prices: 12 bottles of 1993 Echezeaux (HK$317,200/US$40,667, Lot 305) and 3 magnums of 1978 Richebourg (HK$585,600/US$75,077, Lot 857M).
 
PRESTIGIOUS WINES DIRECT FROM ANTINORI
 
Rare wines direct from the cellars of Antinori in Tuscany were specially offered in this sale. It featured all the greatest wines and vintages made by the Antinori family over the past three decades including incredible verticals of Solaia, Tignanello and Guado al Tasso, many in very rare and never before commercially released large formats, all the way up to the mighty Balthazar (12 Litres). Highlights included a lot comprising 24 bottles and 12 magnums of 1997 and 2007 Solaia (HK$165,920/US$21,272, Lot 261) and a vertical collection of 10 vintages of Solaia encompassing 60 bottles (HK$117,120/US$15,015, Lot 258).
 
DAZZLING DIVERSITY OF OTHER REGIONS
 
Significant prices were realized in a diverse group of regions with notable highlights being 120 bottles of 1996 Salon Le Mesnil (HK$292,800/US$37,538, Lot 280) , 12 bottles of 2007 Coche-Dury Corton Charlemagne (HK$185,440/US$23,774, Lot 206), a single bottle vertical of 28 vintages of Guigal's La Mouline (HK$126,880/US$16,266, Lot 810), a mixed format lot of Sine Qua Non's Midnight Oil (HK$58,560/US$7,507, Lot 542), a case of 1998 Penfold's Grange (HK$46,360/US$5,944, Lot 249), two cases of 1921 Nicolay Riesling Auslese, Uerziger Wurzgarten (HK$41,480/US$5,317, Lot 216) as well as a mixed lot of Gran Reserva '890', La Rioja Alta (HK$41,480/US$5,317, Lot 473).

ACKER MERRALL & CONDIT’S FIRST WINE AUCTION IN 2012

ACHIEVES A TOTAL OF
HK$66,865,760 MILLION / US$8,572,533 MILLION

21 NEW WORLD RECORDS SET TO START THE NEW YEAR INCLUDING:

DOUBLE MAGNUM OF 1870 LAFITE ROTHSCHILD

MAGNUMS OF 1999 ROMANEE-CONTI

1993 LEROY CHAMBERTIN

SUPERLOT OF SCREAMING EAGLE
Hong Kong, January 15th, 2012 - Acker Merrall & Condit, the world’s leading wine auctioneer and America’s oldest fine wine merchant, held its first 2012 Hong Kong sale on 13 & 14 January and achieved a total of HK$66,865,760/US$8,572,533 and was 90.34% sold. An exceptional selection of nearly 1,000 lots of the world’s most sought-after wines saw continued demand and interest from bidders all over the world.

John Kapon, CEO of Acker Merrall & Condit Companies, commented after the sale: “2011 marked a significant milestone in our history as we achieved the global Triple Crown -- #1 in Asia, #1 in America, and #1 in the World. We are delighted by the market response to our first sale in 2012, which provided a great start to the New Year. Despite the distractions of economic uncertainty, Chinese New Year and record volume in the wine auction market, buyers still showed that they want their fine and rare wine, and they want it from Acker. We look forward to continuing our global leadership role in the market.”
SALE HIGHLIGHTS

Burgundy fetched strong prices throughout the sale demonstrating its growing appeal in the Asian market. The top lot of the sale was an original wooden 12-bottle case of 1985 DRC Romanée Conti, which fetched HK$1,464,000/US$187,692 (Lot 334).

A world record was also achieved for magnums of 1999 DRC Romanée Conti, three magnums of which sold for HK$634,400/US$81,333 (Lot 908, illustrated right). Another significant world record for Burgundy was set by a very rare original case of 1993 Leroy Chambertin (HK$268,400/US$34,410, Lot 912).

AN 1870 LAFITE ROTHSCHILD DOUBLE MAGNUM

Also of note was a very rare, documented double magnum of 1870 Lafite with superb provenance that fetched HK$488,000/US$62,564 (Lot 843), setting a new world record. This incredible bottle represents one of the most legendary vintages of all-time in Bordeaux and is perhaps the last of its kind in the world.

SCREAMING EAGLE SUPERLOT

An instant collection of California’s most collectible wine, Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon, spanning seven rare vintages and 42 bottles in all, attracted spirited bidding and sold for a remarkable price of HK$829,600/US$106,359 (Lot 377), achieving a world record for the most expensive lot of Screaming Eagle ever sold at a commercial auction.

DIRECT FROM CHATEAU PALMER

The sale also offered an opportunity for connoisseurs to acquire a special selection of wines coming directly from the cellars of Chateau Palmer. The star lot consisted of recent 2010, spanning the entire range of bottle sizes that have ever been produced at the Chateau, from a half-bottle all the way up to a Balthazar, of which only very few have been produced annually. Also, here and for the first and only time in the history of Chateau Palmer, Acker presented a 15-liter bottle, the elusive Nebuchadnezzar, as part of this lot. This unique collection achieved a strong price of HK$136,640/US$17,518 (Lot 330).


CHATEAU PETRUS

Chateau Petrus re-asserted itself as Bordeaux’s most collectible wine, with strong activity on original wooden cases in multiple formats, such as a 12-bottle case of 2000 Petrus (HK$390,400/US$50,051, Lot 172), 6 magnums of 1989 Petrus (HK$390,400/US$50,051, Lot 728) and 6 magnums of 1990 Petrus (HK$390,400/US$50,051, Lot 731).