Bonhams Auction Sets New High with $150,000 Single Bottle Wine Sale

In a landmark auction last week, a rare 5.5-liter bottle of La Tâche 1972 from Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (DRC) sold for an impressive $150,000 at Bonhams. This remarkable sale has set a new high for a single bottle of wine at the esteemed British auction house. The rarity of such a large format bottle, coupled with the legendary status of DRC wines, drew considerable attention. Notably, this was the first time a 5.5-liter bottle from the 1971 vintage had been offered at auction. Despite reaching its lower pre-sale estimate, which ranged from $150,000 to $200,000, the sale underscored the enduring allure of La Tâche.

This rare bottle was part of the "Iconic Wines from Passionate Collectors" auction, which concluded on June 17. The auction featured three grand format bottles from the illustrious Burgundy estate. Alongside the 1972 La Tâche, a 6-liter bottle of La Tâche DRC 1994 sold for $20,000, and a 6-liter bottle of DRC Richebourg 1994 fetched $15,000, within its estimated range of $14,000 to $18,000.

Another highlight of the auction was a case of 12 bottles of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Richebourg 1990, which achieved its high estimate of $50,000. This result demonstrated the sustained demand for vintage DRC wines among collectors and connoisseurs.

The auction also featured significant lots from the collection of renowned wine critic and international collector Josh Raynolds. His collection achieved a total of $173,500, with standout sales including three bottles of Georges Roumier Musigny 1999, which sold for $32,500 against an estimate of $20,000 to $25,000, and six bottles of Jacky Truchot Morey St. Denis Clos Sorbe Vieille Vigne 2001, which fetched $7,500.

The online auction attracted buyers from 11 countries across the Americas, Asia, and Europe, highlighting the global appeal of rare wines. Bonhams reported a notable increase in new buyers, who acquired 22% of the lots. The auction's total sales amounted to $521,363, with an impressive 95% of the lots sold.

Despite the high prices achieved, the most expensive bottle of wine ever sold at auction remains a bottle of Romanée-Conti 1945, which fetched a staggering $558,000 at a Sotheby's auction in 2018. This extraordinary price was largely due to the wine's extreme rarity, as only 600 bottles were produced that year, the final vintage before the vineyards were replanted.

Bonhams' Wine and Spirits department has recently undergone significant expansion and reorganization. Amayès Aouli was appointed as the global head of wine and spirits in January, and Marie Keep has recently taken on the role of head of wine and spirits for the Americas. These strategic appointments are aimed at enhancing Bonhams' position in the competitive wine auction market and catering to the growing interest in rare and fine wines.

The success of the recent auction at Bonhams not only underscores the enduring appeal of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti but also reflects the robust global market for collectible wines. As collectors and enthusiasts continue to seek out exceptional vintages and rare formats, the allure of prestigious estates like DRC remains as strong as ever.