Christie’s Auction House has made history once again. From June 5 to 7, 2025, at the iconic Rockefeller Center in New York, Christie’s hosted a landmark event—the single-owner wine auction of William I. Koch’s legendary private collection.
The final tally reached USD 28.8 million, nearly doubling the pre-sale low estimate of USD 15 million, setting a new North American record for a single-owner wine sale.
William I. Koch, the renowned American businessman, philanthropist, and passionate wine collector, amassed a cellar of extraordinary breadth and depth at his Palm Beach residence. The auction offered 1,500 lots, including rare bottles, large formats, and historic vintages from some of the world’s most iconic regions—Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, the Rhône Valley, Italy, and other fine wine-producing countries outside Europe.
Auction Highlights
Among the standout lots was a Methuselah (6L) of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti 1999, which sold for an astonishing USD 275,000, and three magnums of the same wine fetching USD 237,500, far surpassing expectations. Burgundy wines dominated the top results:
- Six magnums of 1985 Domaine Georges Roumier Bonnes Mares: Sold for USD 200,000, twice the high estimate.
- A magnum of 1988 Bonnes Mares Vieilles Vignes: Achieved USD 87,500, ten times its original low estimate.
- Eight bottles of 1999 Domaine Leroy Musigny: Sold for USD 187,500.
- Six magnums of 1961 Château Latour: Also achieved USD 187,500.
The sale saw strong global participation. According to Christie’s, 42% of registered bidders were first-time wine auction participants, underscoring the growing appeal of fine wine as a collectible asset across demographics and generations.
A New Era for Wine Auctions
Adam Bilbey, International Head of Wines and Spirits at Christie’s, emphasized the broad appeal of Koch’s cellar. “This sale was not only a tribute to Koch’s extraordinary legacy as a collector,” said Bilbey, “but also a testament to the renewed energy and confidence in the wine auction market—particularly in New York, where this sale marks a significant return.”
The auction attracted both seasoned connoisseurs and new collectors, with many bidding online in addition to those present in the room. The focus on large-format bottles and proven provenance helped drive exceptional interest and record-breaking prices.
Legacy of a Visionary Collector
William I. Koch’s cellar was meticulously curated over decades, combining personal passion with strategic vision. His dedication to provenance, storage, and condition made his collection one of the most respected in the wine world.
As the wine market continues to expand and diversify, this sale not only reflects global enthusiasm for rare and fine wines, but also positions Christie’s—and New York—at the forefront of the high-end wine auction scene once more.
Source: Vinetur