Hart Davis Hart launched its fall season with great aplomb on Saturday, September 17 in Chicago, selling 100% of the lots offered and achieving $5.3 million - well above the pre-auction estimate of $3,430,990-$5,139,310.
According to the auction house's report, there was a full house of bidders in the dining room of award-winning restaurant Tru, fuelling energetic demand for wines in all categories.
Buyers from across the country were in attendance, competing throughout the day with bidders following along on the internet and over the phone.
 Château Pétrus fine wines were |
Altogether, bidders in the auction represented 37 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, as well as Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Macau, Mexico, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, Thailand, and the United Kingdom.
"This was the most energetic bidding we've seen in months. Overall prices have not been this high in relation to the estimate range since January," commented CEO Paul Hart.
Although Bordeaux prices rose slightly, bidding was particularly heated for wines from top Burgundy estates such as Domaine de la Romanée-Conti.
A 1990 Assortment commanded $50,190 against a pre-auction estimate of $32,000 - $48,000 while bidding also soared above the high end of the estimate range for a case of 1990 Grands-Echézeaux, climbing to $21,510 (estimated at $9,500 - $14,000).
"A perplexed bidder who had come to the auction prepared to buy extensively told me with a smile that he was having trouble winning any lots," noted Vice-Chairman Michael Davis.
"This was an exceptional start to the fall season with worldwide demand for fine wine gaining strength in Chicago. More great wines will be on offer in October."
Top Lots (inclusive of 19.5% buyer's premium)
· Lot 240: 1990 La Tâche DRC (12 bs) (est. $32,000-48,000) $53,775
· Lot 239: 1990 DRC Assortment (12 bs) (est. $28,000-42,000) $50,190
· Lot 236: 1990 DRC Assortment (12 bs) (est. $28,000-42,000) $47,800
· Lot 930: 1982 Château Lafite Rothschild (12 bs) (est. $30,000-45,000) $47,800
· Lot 36: 1982 Château Lafite Rothschild (12 bs) (est. $30,000-45,000) $45,410
· Lot 237: 1990 DRC Assortment (12 bs) (est. $28,000-42,000) $45,410
· Lots 147, 148: 1989 Château Pétrus (12 bs) (est. $28,000-42,000) $41,825
· Lot 57: 1982 Château Lafleur (12 bs) (est. $24,000-35,000) $38,240
· Lots 145, 146: 1989 Château Pétrus (12 bs) (est. $28,000-42,000) $38,240
· Lot 241: 1990 Richebourg DRC (12 bs) (est. $18,000-28,000) $31,070
Sale Statistics
Percent sold by lot: 100%
Total Aggregate:$5,295,116
Low Pre-Sale Estimate: $3,430,990
High Pre-Sale Estimate:$5,139,310
