Christie's goes back to Hong Kong

Christie's will hold a wine auction in Hong Kong on 29 November, its first in Asia since 2001.

Christie’s International Wine Department said today the highlight of about 250 lots would be 150 from Château Latour’s cellars.

Among the trophies will be a 1900 magnum, 12 bottles of 1959, one 1961 imperial, 1982 imperials and a 2000 jeroboam.

The Latours could realize more than HK$10 million (US$1,282,643; 644,035 British pounds), Christie’s said.

Christie’s auctioned wine in Asian markets, including Hong Kong, Singapore and Tokyo, in the 1990’s and into 2001.

The resumption of Hong Kong auctions was ignited by the Hong Kong government’s abolition of all wine-import duties in February.

Bonhams held an April auction. Acker Merrall & Condit followed in May and has scheduled another in November. Zachys has announced one in October.

Christie’s sale is to take place in the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center.

Written by Howard G Goldberg in New York

Howard G Goldberg is a wine writer and critic based in New York City. He made his name writing about wine for The New York Times, where he worked for 34 years. He has written various books on food and wine, including Prime: The Complete Prime Rib Book and All About Wine Cellars. He compiled The New York Times Book of Wine – a collection of the publication’s best wine articles.