Singer-songwriter Chris de Burgh is set to become the latest well-known figure to sell off part of his wine collection at auction.
Best-known for his rendition of 1986 number one The Lady in Red, the Irish-based performer is selling 320 bottles and 84 magnums at Christie’s in London next month.
The lots are principally red wine because, in de Burgh’s words, ‘my wife, daughter and I much prefer to drink white’.
‘I started thinking about selling a selection of wines from my collection about five years ago,’ said de Burgh.
‘Looking at the economics of the wine trade and how the business of selling wine fluctuates, I decided now was the right time.
‘Every wine I’m selling I’ve actually tasted, one way or the other, so I know what I’m missing, but I think the time has come for someone else to enjoy them in my stead.’
Highlights of the sale include a case of 1945 Chateau Lafite-Rothschild, expected to raise £12,000-16,000, and a 62-magnum vertical of Chateau Mouton-Rothschild (1945-2005; estimate £70,000-90,000).
There is also a case of 1961 Chateau Latour, and a selection of rare and mature Chateau d’Yquem – which sparked de Burgh’s passion for fine wine when he first tasted it as a teenager.
The sale follows the auction of 746 lots from Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s private wine collection in Hong Kong during January, which raised a total of US$5.6m.
Fine and Rare Wines Including Rarities from The Private Cellar of Chris de Burgh will take place at Christie’s King Street saleroom in London on 24 March.
Written by Richard Woodard
