How are the 2012 collectible fine wine markets looking? Well, the prognosis is good according to Christie's results from its recent Finest & Rarest Wines of France auction in New York.
The sale, which took place on January 25, realised $1,180,658 in total sales. This total was bolstered by an impressive sell-through rate of 96% by lot and 91% by value.
Also of note is that each of the top lots sold to Asian private buyers; yet more evidence of Asian collector's growing love of, and influence in, the global fine wine markets.
The leading lot was a wine which often emerges as the biggest star in the world's top auctions, Chateau Pétrus. One dozen bottles of the legendary 1982 Pétrus brought $58,080, confortably within the lot's $42,000-65,000 pre-sale estimate.
Just behind it was the renowned 2000 Pétrus, which brought $45,980 within a similar pre-sale estimate bracket.
Rounding-off the top three wines with a 'bronze medal' was a Château Lafite-Rothschild lot. The one dozen bottles were sourced from the legendary 1982 vintage. They sold for $45,980 within their $35,000-45,000 pre-sale estimate.
 The Chateau Pétrus is always a big hitter at the world's top fine wine sales |
"We were very pleased with the results of this special January addition to our wine sale calendar," said Robin Kelley O'Connor, Head of Wine for Christie's Americas.
"Our sell-through rates of 96% by lot and 91% by value indicate that the market remains strong, especially for a focused sale of this type that featured the very finest and rarest of top Bordeaux and Burgundy and Northern Rhône wines.
"The sale saw very active participation from Asian buyers - both private and trade - and from American collectors, who accounted for nearly 50% of the wine purchases by lot.
"Overall, the majority of wine prices performed within estimate or in some cases well above."
Christie's success at its Finest & Rarest Wines auctions points towards a great year for fine wines. Expect to see plenty of vibrancy in the wine auction market.
