US autumn wine auctions return against backdrop of uncertainty
September 5, 2007
Howard G Goldberg in New York
The US autumn wine auction season is set to open amid uncertainty as to whether the record sales achieved last year will continue
Auction executives know that the rise in counterfeit wines will heighten scrutiny from buyers, the media and perhaps the law, on the back of ongoing controversy over the allegedly faked Thomas Jefferson bottles. This case was most recently profiled in a 12-page article in The New Yorker.
On 14 September in Boston, Skinner enters North America's wine auction arena with 216 lots from the private cellar of the owners of Maison Robert, a once-popular now-defunct Boston restaurant.
On 7 September, Aulden Cellars/Sotheby's will offer 487 lots from the holdings of former American Express executive Thomas O. Ryder, who according to the catalogue, 'bought Food and Wine magazine and founded the Food and Wine Classic' in Aspen, Colorado. The consignment is especially strong in Bordeaux, Rhône and California.
Acker Merrall & Condit holds sales on 7- 8 and 28-29 September, in addition to its monthly internet auction. Highlights of the opening sale include a case of 1999 Romanée-Conti, DRC ($70,000-$100,000/£34,819-49,719) and six magnums of 1964 Cheval Blanc ($20,000-$30,000/£9,944-14,914).
On 8 September, Morrell & Company presents three cases of 1990 Dom Pérignon (each $1,900- $2,600/£945-1,293) and an Imperial of 1982 Pichon-Lalande ($6,000-$7,500/£2,983-3,730).
In Chicago, Edward Roberts International holds its opening sale on 8 September at the Columbia Yacht Club, on Lake Michigan. Its 295 lots include a couple of 1870 Madeiras.
The 14-15 September auction at Zachys showcases a large collection from food and wine writer David Rosengarten, an eclectic mix of blue chips from Bordeaux, Burgundy, other European regions, and the New World.
On 28 September, Zachys features 4,500 bottles from the 'magnificent private collection' of Dr. Nils Stormby', a Swedish diplomat. The sale comprises over 70 vintages of Yquem, from 1858 to 1967.
At NYWines/Christie's on 15 September, Vega Sicilia fans will find a tempting small assortment covering three decades. Lovers of Dominus will find 1994-2003 pickings. A handful of Joseph Phelps' Insignias awaits bidders.
Chicago's Hart Davis Hart opens 15 September with 1,256 lots, including 20 vintages of Haut-Brion, 18 each of Lafite and Latour, 25 of Harlan - among them rare double magnums - and eight vintages of Screaming Eagle.
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