Top Rhone ‘most sought after’ in Hong Kong auction

Top Rhone vintages and white Bordeaux were among the most sought-after lots in Sotheby's last Hong Kong auction of 2012, illustrating the 'rapid expansion in taste' of Asian market.

Hermitage La Chapelle: well above estimate

The two-day sale, held by Sotheby’s at the new Hong Kong Gallery at Pacific Place over the weekend, raised a total of HK$29.6m (US$3.8m), more than 20% above the pre-sale estimate.

Among the highlights of the second day was a bottle of Hermitage La Chapelle 1961 from Paul Jaboulet Aîné, which sold for HK$171,500 (US$21,987), 165% over its pre-sale estimate.

It was one of a clutch of La Chapelle wines supplied from the négociant’s cellars for the sale, making a total of HK$3.4m (US$435,000), 10% above pre-sale estimates, and 100% sold.

Jamie Ritchie, Sotheby’s Americas and Asia president, said, ‘The results proved that La Chapelle is as much admired in Asia as it is in both the Americas and Europe.’

White Bordeaux was a hot property on the first day of the sale, with a rare 12-bottle case of Haut Brion Blanc 2006 selling for HK$56,350 (US$7,224), 144% over its estimate.

Talking in general about the range of wines sold by the auction house in Asia this year, Robert Sleigh, head of Sotheby’s Wine Asia, said: ‘The enthusiasm with which Asian collectors have competed for these wines, all with perfect provenance, demonstrates the way the market has rapidly expanded its taste.’

Written by Richard Woodard