A 5.5-liter bottle of La Tâche 1972 wine from the prestigious Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (DRC) was sold online for an impressive USD 150,000 at Bonhams, marking the highest price ever achieved for a single bottle of wine by the British auction house.
This sale not only highlights the exceptional quality and rarity of the wine but also underscores the growing demand and appreciation for fine wines among collectors globally.
The Uniqueness of La Tâche 1972
The 5.5-liter bottle of La Tâche 1972 is an extraordinary find, particularly because this large format is exceedingly rare. It is the first time that a bottle of this size from the 1971 vintage has ever been offered at auction. Despite the sale price reaching the lowest estimate of its initial valuation, which ranged between USD 150,000 and USD 200,000, the significance of this bottle remains unparalleled. The wine’s rarity and the prestige of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti contribute significantly to its high valuation.
The "Iconic Wines of Passionate Collectors" Sale
The La Tâche 1972 was part of a broader auction event titled "Iconic Wines of Passionate Collectors," which concluded on June 17. This sale featured three large-format bottles from the illustrious Burgundy winery. In addition to the 5.5-liter La Tâche, the auction included a 6-liter 1994 La Tâche DRC, which sold for USD 20,000, and a 6-liter 1994 DRC Richebourg, which fetched USD 15,000, both within their estimated ranges.
One of the other standout lots was a 12-bottle case of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Richebourg 1990, which achieved its high estimate of USD 50,000, reflecting the continuing strong market for DRC wines.
Highlights from Josh Raynolds' Collection
The auction also featured lots from the esteemed collection of Josh Raynolds, a renowned international wine critic and collector. His collection alone garnered USD 173,500, featuring notable sales such as three bottles of George Roumier Musigny 1999, which sold for $32,500, well above its estimate of USD 20,000 to USD 25,000. Additionally, six bottles of Jacky Truchot Morey St. Denis Clos Sorbe Vieille Vigne 2001 fetched USD 7,500, adding to the impressive totals.
Global Participation and Sales
Bonhams reported that the online auction attracted buyers from 11 countries across America, Asia, and Europe. The event saw a notable increase in new buyers, who accounted for 22% of the lots sold. The final sale totaled USD 521,363, with an outstanding 95% of the lots sold, indicating a robust interest and competitive bidding environment.
Historical Context and Market Trends
The sale of the La Tâche 1972 bottle comes in the context of a vibrant and evolving fine wine market. The most expensive bottle of wine ever sold at auction remains a Romanée-Conti 1945, which fetched a record USD 558,000 at a Sotheby's auction in 2018. The exceptional price was largely due to its extreme rarity, with only 600 bottles produced that year, marking the end of an era before the vineyards were replanted.
Strategic Expansion of Bonhams' Wine and Spirits Department
Bonhams' recent success in wine auctions can be attributed to strategic expansions and reorganizations within their Wine and Spirits department. With the appointment of Amayès Aouli as the global head of wines and spirits in January and Marie Keep as head of wines and spirits for the Americas, the department has seen significant growth and increased specialization. This has enabled Bonhams to attract high-caliber consignments and deliver exceptional auction results, further solidifying their reputation in the fine wine auction market.
Source: Vinetur