The recent auction of William I. Koch’s prestigious wine collection captured the attention of enthusiasts and collectors alike, culminating in an impressive $28.8 million in sales. Hosted at Christie’s in New York’s Rockefeller Center, this event set a new benchmark as the largest single-owner wine collection auction in North America, with every lot successfully sold and achieving a remarkable 154% increase over the initial auction estimates.
Highlights of the Auction
Among the standout items was the Mathusalem of the illustrious 1999 Burgundy Romanée-Conti from Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, which commanded a price of $275,000. Additionally, three magnums of the same vintage fetched $237,500, significantly surpassing their anticipated maximum estimates.
Large-format bottles, particularly those from Burgundy, delivered exceptional results. Domaine Georges Roumier emerged as a highlight, with several lots exceeding high expectations. Notably, the 1985 Bonnes Mares (6 Magnums) from this esteemed domaine sold for $200,000, more than doubling its projected maximum estimate. Other remarkable sales included 8 bottles of Musigny 1999 from Domaine Leroy and 6 Magnums of Château Latour 1961, each achieving $187,500.
Italian Wines Shine
Italian wines also made a significant impact, frequently surpassing their estimates. The top Italian lot featured four bottles of the iconic 1985 Sassicaia, which sold for $12,500. Another lot of three bottles from the same vintage reached $10,625, matching the price of six bottles of Barolo Monfortino Riserva 1990 from Giacomo Conterno. Additional highlights included a Magnum of 1985 Sassicaia sold for $8,750 and a lot featuring Barbaresco Sorì San Lorenzo and Sorì Tildìn Magnums from Gaja, which sold for $5,625.
Global Interest and Participation
The auction drew significant global interest, with 42% of participants being newcomers to Christie’s wine auctions. William I. Koch expressed his gratitude, hoping that these wines would bring joy and cherished memories to their new owners. He extended his thanks to his dedicated staff and Christie’s team for their exceptional management of the collection.
Adam Bilbey, Global Head of Wine & Spirits at Christie’s, described the sale as a unique event, emphasizing the incredible rarity of the wines and the enthusiastic participation from collectors worldwide. This auction not only celebrated Mr. Koch’s legacy in the fine wine world but also marked a triumphant return of Christie’s wine auctions to New York City.
