Henri Jayer is a simply legendary figure in the history of Burgundian wine-making. Born suitably enough in the Vosne-Romanée, Jayer took a degree in oenology from the University of Dijon and then set about making a name for himself amongst the grapes.
Now regarded as a byword for high quality, the offerings from Christie's Finest and Rarest Wines: From the Private Cellar of Henri Jayer, was always likely to impress, and impress it has.
Held out in Hong Kong, the event was a white glove auction - that is it was 100% sold for an overall total of HK$66m (US$8.5m) across just 102 lots.
Every single one of the Top 10 lots was bought by an Asian private bidder, reminding us that the market has matured from a time when only Bordeaux wines led by Chateau Lafite drew really exceptional prices.
The top three lots, all of which at least doubled their top estimates, were as follows:
12 bottles of Vosne-Romanée Premier Cru (Cros Parantoux) —Vintage 1985 were listed at HK$800,000 - 1,000,000 but sold for HK$ 2,057,000.
12 bottles of Vosne-Romanée Premier Cru (Cros Parantoux) —Vintage 1989 were listed at HK$ 380,000 - 480,000, but brought an astonishing HK$ 1,815,000.
Last of the three was a case of 12 bottles of Richebourg Grand Cru—Vintage 1979, which brought an excellent HK$ 1,815,000.
"Tonight's sale demonstrated the enduring passion of our Asian clients for the wines of Burgundy." commented Head of Wine for Christie's Asia, Charles Curtis,
"With 17 lots over HK$1m and an average lot value of HK$647,350, this once-in-a-lifetime sale gets a high bar indeed and confirms once again the dominance of Hong Kong in the market for fine and rare wine."
